RIYADH: Members of the public are urged to take care as thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of the Kingdom until Saturday, says Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense.
Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid flood-prone areas such as valleys, and follow safety instructions issued via media and official social platforms.
The authority says regions including Makkah, Riyadh, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran, Qassim and the Eastern Province are expected to see moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially accompanied by flash floods, hail and dust storms.
The National Center for Meteorology attributes the conditions to seasonal atmospheric instability over the Arabian Peninsula, driven by the interaction of warm surface air with cooler upper-level troughs, leading to thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and hail.
Residents have been advised to avoid flood-prone areas such as valleys due to the risk of flashfloods. (SPA photo)
Asir records highest rainfall during Eid
Data from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture showed widespread rainfall over the weekend, with 63 monitoring stations recording precipitation across nine regions.
The Asir region recorded the highest levels, with Abha Airport receiving 52 millimeters and Al-Fawha in Balqarn registering 50.8 millimeters. All governorates and centers in the region experienced heavy rainfall, which brought cooler temperatures, greener landscapes and scenic views.
Highlands and plains were covered with rainfall, hail and dense fog, the SPA reported, and the rainfall in Asir enhanced the region’s appeal as a destination for Eid celebrations.
The rainfall in Asir enhanced the region’s appeal as a destination during Eid. (SPA)
In the Riyadh region, Al-Aflaj recorded up to 14.2 millimeters, while other notable totals included 11.2 millimeters in Al-Muhammadiyah in Baljurashi, Al-Baha, and 8.4 millimeters in Yabrin in the Eastern Province.
Heavy rain and hail in Al-Baha and northern regions
The southwestern Al-Baha Region saw intense weather on Monday, as heavy rain and hail briefly created a winter-like landscape. Authorities continued to monitor conditions and maintain road safety, urging the public to avoid flood channels and areas where water was accumulating.
Further north, moderate rainfall was reported across the Hail Region, including Hail city and surrounding governorates, leading to the flow of local valleys and streams.
Hail covered streets and highlands in Al-Baha on Monday, briefly creating a winter-like landscape. (SPA photo)
