RIYADH: With changeable weather and heavy rain forecast in many parts of Saudi Arabia between now and Monday, authorities are urging the public to take extra care.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense advised people to stay in places they know will be safe during rainfall and avoid swamps, valleys and areas that might flood. It also warned people not to swim in bodies of water created or affected by the bad weather and to heed official warnings and instructions issued through the media and social networking sites.

The authority said moderate-to-heavy rainfall, developing into torrential rain and hail accompanied by very strong descending winds that raise dust and dirt, are expected in parts of Makkah region, including Turbah, Raniyah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah and Al-Ardiyat, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Similar weather is forecast in the regions of Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Al-Jawf, Hail, Al-Qassim, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders.

People in Riyadh region can expect the same sort of conditions. Areas likely to be affected include the capital, Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quwayyah, Al-Majma’ah, Thadiq, Marat, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Shaqra, Rumah, Huraymala, Diriyah, Durma, Al-Muzahmiyah, Al-Kharj, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Salil, Al-Aflaj and Hotat Bani Tamim.

Parts of Makkah region will have light-to-moderate rainfall that might lead to the kind of torrential rain, hail and very strong winds expected in other parts of the country, including Makkah city, Al-Jumum, Taif, Maysan, Adham.