Heavy Rains and Weather Warnings in Saudi Arabia
In a dramatic turn of events, Saudi Arabia is bracing for more rainfall on Tuesday, with the Eastern Province, Al-Qassim region, and the bustling capital Riyadh and its outskirts set to be pummeled by heavy rains, high-speed winds, hail, and dangerously low visibility. The National Center of Meteorology has issued a forecast warning of the impending weather conditions.
The forecast for Tuesday paints a grim picture: “Expect high-speed winds, sandstorms, followed by heavy rain and hailstorm in Qassim, Riyadh, Eastern Province, Northern Border region, and Hail,” the NCM stated.
Furthermore, the Eastern Province, Qassim, and Riyadh are expected to experience a significant drop in temperatures, with a looming threat of flash floods in these areas. Hussein Al-Qahtani, the spokesperson for the NCM, urged extreme caution and vigilance in light of the unpredictable weather patterns.
“Manifa in the Eastern Province has already seen over 42 mm of rain in just one hour, and the risk of more rain persists in the affected regions. We urge everyone to stay alert and closely monitor weather updates from the center, given the volatile weather conditions impacting the Kingdom,” Al-Qahtani emphasized.
In response to the severe weather, education authorities across Saudi Arabia have taken precautionary measures by suspending in-person classes on Tuesday and transitioning to online learning. The affected regions include the Eastern Province, Al-Qasim, Unaizah, Hafr Al-Batin, and various governorates in the Riyadh area.
The NCM’s forecast also predicts high-speed winds and moderate rainfall in Najran, Jazan, and Aseer regions. The Eastern Province was hit by heavy torrential rains on Monday, and the NCM anticipates continued rainy weather in the region, accompanied by strong winds, hailstorms, thunderstorms, and flash floods.
As the Gulf region grapples with unstable weather conditions, Oman and the UAE have already experienced rainy low pressure systems, resulting in floods. The Saudi Civil Defense and traffic authorities have issued warnings to motorists about the increased risk of skidding on wet roads and advised residents to exercise caution when venturing outside.
The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense echoed these sentiments, urging the public to remain vigilant as the NCM’s forecast indicates heavy to moderate rains persisting across the Kingdom. “Your cooperation is crucial. Your safety is our top priority,” the directorate emphasized.