RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom that could lead to flash floods, and officials cautioned the public against venturing in low-lying places prone to flooding.

In its weather forecast for Sunday, the meteorology center said “moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail showers and active winds that will stir up dust and sand” in several provinces of the Kingdom.

These include Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and parts of the Eastern Province. Light to moderate storms are expected in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf and Tabuk, the NCM said.

In a separate advisory, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to avoid places prone to flash floods and valleys at least until December 18.

Since the past few days, various parts of Saudi Arabia had been blessed with light to moderate rain as full winter weather set in.

In separate reports, the Saudi Press Agency published images of beautiful landscapes that have emerged after being revitalized by rain.

Deserts rejuvenated

Among these are Al-Nafud (The Great Nafud Desert) in the Kingdom’s north, where moderate to heavy rainfall have “transformed the landscape, turning the golden sand dunes into stunning formations,” and also created streams and lakes.

“The cool weather has since made the Nafud a prime destination for desert and camping enthusiasts from inside and outside (Rafha) governorate,” SPA said.

Rain have also rejuvenated the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, the Kingdom’s second-largest nature reserve, spanning parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf and Eastern Province.

In the Northern Borders province, the Wadi Arar has come alive, refilling the province’s 11 operational dams. 

“The deserts of Arar City ... have become an enchanting destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts following recent rainfall. The resulting rainfalls have created a stunning scenery, with flowing streams winding through sand dunes and ravines,” SPA said.

Cool, verdant mountains 

In Asir and adjacent provinces in the southwest, fog shrouding mountain peaks and the city of Abha have resulted in beautiful winter sceneries, attracting nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Futher south in Najran province, days of rain have increased vegetation cover and revitalized the valley’s natural streams.

One of the foremost attractions is the Wadi Mughaydid on the slopes of the Sarawat range’s Maghra Mountains in northwest Najran, renowned for its pristine natural beauty.

Stretching 25 kilometers from Bir Askar Park to Shaab Baran, the valley’s unique geography combines verdant plains with towering mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts, according to SPA.