Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods expected in Riyadh and beyond
Proceed with caution
Earlier this week, a six-day weather alert was issued showcasing a progression of heavy rainfall expected to impact several areas of Saudi Arabia. And according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), heavy thunderstorms and flash floods in Saudi Arabia are expected to continue—this time in different cities. This is what we know about heavy thunderstorms and flash floods in Riyadh and beyond.
Over the course of the weekend, the National Centre for Meteorology has forecasted moderate to heavy thunderstorms, capable of triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and strong winds, for the country, according to Gulf News.
This time around, the following cities will be affected:
- Riyadh
- Makkah
- Madinah
- Qassim
- The Eastern Province
- The Northern Borders
Parts of Tabuk, Hail, and Al Jouf, as well as the Kingdom’s southwestern highlands, are also expected to get some light to moderate rain, and some other regions may also experience patches of fog.
The NCM reported that surface winds over the Red Sea will blow from the northwest to north in the northern and central areas and from the southeast to south in the south, at speeds of 18 to 40 kilometres per hour, increasing to 50 kilometres per hour.
Directives for the residents
The General Directorate of Civil Defence urged all residents to exercise caution, stay in safe areas, avoid valleys and flood-prone sites, and refrain from swimming in watercourses. The Civil Defence has also called on the public to follow safety instructions issued through official media and government platforms.
The last alert
The six-day period of turbulent weather expected across Saudi Arabia began on Saturday December 6. According to the map, the Makkah region was affected the most with moderate to heavy rain capable of causing flash floods, hail, and dust-raising downdraft winds. Other areas included Makkah, Jeddah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Rabigh, Khulais, Buhra, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Ardiyat, Turbah, Al-Muwaih, and Al-Khurmah. In the Riyadh region, moderate rainfall is forecast for Al-Dawadmi, Afif, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma’ah, Al-Ghat, Shaqra, Thadiq, and Rumah.
