Rain lashes parts of Saudi Arabia with warnings of thunderstorms and hail

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Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Updated 12 January 2025
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Rain lashes parts of Saudi Arabia with warnings of thunderstorms and hail

  • Overcast skies dominated the day in the capital Riyadh, which recorded moderate rainfall in the morning
  • The weather office also warned of potential near-zero visibility and flooding in some areas

RIYADH: Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds.

Overcast skies dominated the day in the capital Riyadh, which recorded moderate rainfall in the morning.

The National Center of Meteorology forecast strong winds, hail and thunderstorms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The weather office also warned of potential near-zero visibility and flooding in some areas.

In the southern Jazan region, heavy rain was reported earlier in the day, affecting Jazan City for Basic and Transformative Industries, as well as the governorates of Ad-Darb, Beesh and the Farasan Islands.

The center issued alerts for Jazan, warning of thunderstorms, high waves and strong winds in the region.

Areas including Sabya, Abu Arish, Al-Harith, Ad-Dayer, Fifa, and Harub were highlighted in the advisory.

Residents were cautioned about the risk of reduced visibility and localized flooding in affected areas.

Earlier this week, parts of Saudi Arabia, including Asir, Makkah, and Madinah regions, experienced similar weather conditions.

Thunderstorms coupled with heavy rain caused temporary disruptions in traffic and daily activities.

The authorities issued several warnings during that period, urging residents to stay vigilant, especially in flood-prone areas.

The rainfall is caused by seasonal weather changes affecting parts of the Kingdom.

The Jazan region, in particular, often experiences heavy rains at this time of year, which can result in flash floods and other related challenges.

Authorities in Riyadh and Jazan have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly for motorists navigating slippery roads and areas prone to water accumulation.

Emergency response teams are on high alert to address any incidents caused by the adverse weather.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow updates and warnings issued by the center to ensure their safety as weather conditions develop.


Saudi Arabia welcomes US designation of Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organization

Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes US designation of Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organization

  • Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud welcomed the United States’ decision to designate the Sudanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization

DUBAI: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud welcomed the United States’ decision to designate the Sudanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

During the call, Farhan expressed the Kingdom’s support for Washington’s move and emphasized Saudi Arabia’s backing for measures that strengthen regional stability and security. 

The discussion comes as the US Department of State announced it is designating the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and intends to formally designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) effective March 16, 2026.

According to the State Department, the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood has used violence against civilians to undermine efforts to resolve Sudan’s ongoing conflict and promote its Islamist ideology. 

US officials claim fighters associated with the group have carried out mass executions of civilians during the war, although no evidence was given in the departments statement released on March 9. 

Washington also highlighted links between the group and Iran. The State Department claimed many of the group’s fighters had received training and other support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.