Thunderstorms forecast across most of Saudi Arabia, civil defense issues warning

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution due to expected thunderstorms across most regions of Saudi Arabia, starting Friday and continuing through next Tuesday.

Civil Defense emphasized the importance of staying in safe locations, avoiding valleys and areas where floods may accumulate, refraining from swimming in these areas, and following instructions issued through media and social media channels.

The National Center for Meteorology stated that the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods and hail, accompanied by strong downdraft winds causing dust and sandstorms. Affected areas include Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Makkah city, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Khulais, Jeddah, Rabigh, Turbah, Al-Khurmah, Ranyah, Al-Muwaih, Al-Qunfudhah, and Al-Laith.

The center added that the Riyadh region will also be affected by moderate to heavy rain, with possible flash floods, hail, and downdraft winds. This includes Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Shaqra, Thadiq, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma'ah, Rumah, and Marat, while Riyadh city, Al-Quwaiiyah, Al-Rayn, Durma, Al-Hariq, and Al-Kharj are expected to see light to moderate rainfall.

The National Center for Meteorology also noted that the regions of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province will experience moderate to heavy rain, which may cause flash floods, hail, and strong downdraft winds stirring dust and sand.