RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a nationwide safety advisory urging citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and remain in safe locations following weather forecasts predicting widespread thunderstorms across Saudi Arabia from Friday through Tuesday.
Emergency authorities advised the public to stay clear of flood-prone valleys, low-lying watercourses, and open waterlogged zones, explicitly warning against attempting to swim in floodwaters. The Civil Defense further instructed the public to strictly comply with safety protocols and updates issued via official media and communication channels.
According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the Makkah region is slated to receive moderate to heavy rainfall. The meteorological conditions could trigger flash floods, hail, and high-velocity downdrafts leading to blowing dust and reduced visibility.
The Riyadh region is similarly expected to experience moderate to heavy precipitation, with severe conditions anticipated across Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Shaqra, Thadiq, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma’ah, Rumah, and Marat. Light to moderate rainfall is forecast for Riyadh city, alongside Al-Quwayiyah, Al-Rayn, Dhurma, Al-Hariq, and Al-Kharj.
The NCM added that several other territories—including Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province—are also bracing for moderate to heavy downpours, with potential flash flooding, hail, and localized dust storms over the coming days.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com