RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall on Thursday across the Kingdom following which the Saudi Red Crescent intensified field deployment in Al-Baha to deal with heavy rainfall in the region.
According to the NCM, heavy rain leading to possible flash floods and accompanied by hail and dust-stirring winds is expected in parts of Eastern, Riyadh, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, and Aseer regions.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is also forecast in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, Jazan, and Najran regions.
As NCM forecast fog in parts of these areas, and snowfall in parts of the highlands of Tabuk Region, snow blanketed the mountain highlands of Trojena on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Al-Baha region has raised its readiness level to maximum and activated emergency and immediate response plans, coinciding with weather warnings of a severe weather system affecting the Sarawat, Tihama, and Badia regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This is expected to bring heavy rain, dense fog leading to near-zero visibility, strong surface winds, hail, and flash floods, the authority said.
The authority said it has mobilized all its human and logistical resources to enhance the speed of response. It has deployed 17 ambulance teams to the region, in addition to two active teams from regional response partners and four additional response teams.
An ambulance station has been established at Al-Baha mountain pass, and ambulance deployment levels have been increased at vital locations and high-risk areas.
Furthermore, five reserve teams are on high alert for immediate intervention, ensuring faster response times and improved efficiency in handling reports from affected areas.
The authority also confirmed its continued intensive field monitoring around the clock, with intensified ambulance deployment in affected areas, in coordination with relevant agencies, to monitor weather developments and ensure maximum readiness to respond to reports and emergencies.
The Red Crescent authority urged Al-Baha residents to take the warnings seriously, adhere to safety guidelines, and avoid going to waterlogged areas and flood channels, especially given the reduced visibility due to fog.
It emphasized that ambulance services can be requested 24/7 via the number 997, or through the “Is’afni,” “Tawakkalna,” and “Absher” applications.
The Saudi capital on Thursday experienced moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day leading to a substantial drop in the mercury level, Madinah received heavy rainfall across the region with overcast skies signaling the possibility of more rain, while light to moderate rain fell in various parts of Makkah and Tabuk regions.
AlUla Governorate experienced light to moderate rain, affecting several areas, and more rain is expected, while moderate to heavy rain fell in Taif Governorate, causing several valleys and streams to overflow, SPA reported.
The NCM has also forecast continued thunderstorms across most regions until the weekend, with varying intensity.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to exercise caution as thunderstorms are forecast to affect parts of the Kingdom through March 28.
Residents are advised to remain in safe locations, avoid flood-prone areas such as valleys, and follow safety instructions issued via media and official social platforms.
The inclement weather in Riyadh also saw cool weather returning to the capital.
Abdullah Ali, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “From the relatively warm weather during the week, I’s now cool weather, and we are enjoying it.
“Since the NCM has warned of inclement weather and thunderstorms, it is good for us to remain indoors and enjoy the cool weather with the family,” he added.
The minimum temperature in the capital plummeted to 13 degrees Celcius and will further decrease by a degree or two on Friday.
According to NCM winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly in the northern part, and southwesterly to northwesterly in the central and southern parts at speeds of 30-65 kph. Waves may range from 1.5 meters to over 3 m; the sea will be calm to choppy.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to southerly at speeds of 25-60 kph. Waves will range from 1.5 m to over 2 m; the sea will be calm to choppy.
