Saudi Arabia braces for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and flash floods from Tuesday

Residents urged to take necessary precautions to ensure safety during unstable weather

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Snow
Rainfall intensity is expected to vary between light, moderate, and heavy at intervals, with some areas likely to witness hailstorms.
SPA

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology has issued a weather alert warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, and potential flash floods across several regions of the Kingdom from Tuesday through Friday. The weather system is expected to intensify over the western and northern regions before extending to parts of the southwest.

According to forecasts, the affected areas include Jeddah, Mecca, Medina Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders Region, Hail, Al Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Rainfall intensity is expected to vary between light, moderate, and heavy at intervals, with some areas likely to witness hailstorms, strong downdrafts, and reduced visibility due to rising dust.

Authorities have urged the public to remain alert to changing conditions, especially in areas prone to flooding. The Mecca Crisis and Disaster Management Centre advised motorists to exercise caution on highways, avoid valley paths and floodplains, and steer clear of water-gathering areas. The advisory comes amid expectations that some governorates in the region will experience recurrent bouts of thunderstorms and heavy rain over the coming days.

The National Centre for Meteorology will continue to issue updates as the weather system develops, while emergency teams and civil defence units have been placed on alert to respond to potential incidents.

Residents are encouraged to follow official updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during the unstable weather period.

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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