Saudi Arabia’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a series of updated weather alerts, including flash flood warnings, for multiple regions across the country. These alerts, categorized by color to indicate severity, are in effect through Tuesday evening and anticipate varying levels of rainfall and associated hazards. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential disruptions and heed safety guidelines issued by authorities.
The alerts span a considerable portion of the Kingdom, impacting cities and regions in the Northwest, North, and West, including Jeddah, Madinah, Tabuk, and Al-Jouf. The NCM’s warning system employs a three-tiered approach: yellow for conditions requiring caution, orange signaling heightened risk, and red for severe, potentially life-threatening weather. These warnings are crucial given the arid climate of Saudi Arabia, increasing the risk of dangerous flash floods when rainfall occurs.
Understanding the Saudi Arabia Weather Alerts and Flash Flood Risk
The current weather systems are driven by a convergence of atmospheric conditions bringing unseasonably heavy rainfall to parts of the country. According to the NCM, this is a developing situation, and the intensity and duration of the rainfall are subject to change. The color-coded alert system is designed to provide a clear and readily understandable assessment of the level of danger.
Regions Under Yellow Alert
Several areas are currently under a yellow alert, indicating potential for light to moderate rainfall and associated hazards. Specifically, Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal in the Al-Jouf region are forecast to experience these conditions from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Similar conditions are predicted in Al-Hanakiya, Madinah, from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The Makkah region is also experiencing yellow alerts, with Maysan and Adum expecting light rainfall between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday. Additionally, Jeddah, Khalis, Buhra, Jamum, Kamil, Taif, and Makkah city itself are under yellow alerts from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., raising concerns about potential traffic disruptions and localized flooding.
Regions Under Orange Alert
The orange alert signifies a more significant escalation in weather risk, with moderate rainfall, strong winds, and the possibility of flash floods. In Madinah, AlUla, Al-‘Is, Yanbu, and Al-Rais are under an orange alert from 2 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday. Badr and Wadi Al-Far‘ will face similar heightened risks between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Khabir in Madinah is also included in the orange alert, expected from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Furthermore, Medina city is under an orange alert from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Taif in the Makkah region remains under an orange alert from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The NCM data indicates that these regions should prepare for potentially significant impacts.
Outside of the western regions, parts of Tabuk and the Northern Borders are also facing orange alerts. Al-Bad, Haql, Wajh, Duba, and Tabuk city are affected from midnight until 8 p.m. Tuesday, while Tima is under hazardous conditions from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, Al-Uwayqila and Arar in the Northern Borders region entered the orange category from 10 a.m. Tuesday and will remain so until 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Regions Under Red Alert – Highest Severity
The most severe categorization, the red alert, is currently in effect for specific areas within Tabuk and Al-Jouf, signaling extremely dangerous weather conditions and a high probability of significant impacts. Umluj in Tabuk is expected to experience these red-level conditions from midnight until 10 p.m. Tuesday, with the potential for zero visibility and severe flash flooding.
A particularly concerning development is the escalation of Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal in Al-Jouf from a yellow to a red alert between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday. This change indicates a rapid intensification of the storm and a dramatically increased risk to life and property. This progression of the flash flood warnings emphasizes the dynamic nature of these weather systems.
Meteorological officials stress that these weather alerts are not simply predictions of rainfall. They also account for wind speed, visibility, and the potential for ground saturation, all factors contributing to increased flood risk. The rapid onset of heavy rainfall in desert environments creates a uniquely dangerous situation.
The NCM continues to urge all residents, especially those in the affected regions, to closely monitor official alerts disseminated through various channels, including television, radio, and the NCM’s official website and social media accounts. Avoiding flood-prone areas – wadis, low-lying valleys, and urban areas with poor drainage – and exercising extreme caution while driving are crucial safety measures. Staying informed about this evolving weather situation is paramount.
Looking ahead, the NCM will continue to monitor the movement of these weather systems. Updates to the alerts are expected as the situation develops, with a particular focus on assessing the actual rainfall amounts and the resulting impact on vulnerable areas. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potential further escalations in alert levels through Wednesday.
