Video: Heavy rains, thunderstorms and hail hit Saudi Arabia; red alert issued

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a red alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected to impact several regions, including Jeddah, until Wednesday, January 8.

The alert forecasts torrential downpours, hail, and high waves, with low visibility due to dust and strong winds.

The NCM has announced that most regions of Saudi Arabia will experience rainfall ranging from moderate to heavy until Wednesday, January 10.

The forecast includes moderate to heavy thundershowers with hail and dust-laden winds affecting areas such as the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, Madinah, Qassim, the Eastern Region, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, and Tabuk.

Fog is possible in some areas, with light snowfall expected in the northern parts of the Kingdom.

Red alert in Jeddah

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a red alert for Jeddah, with heavy rainfall expected from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Monday. The weather will be accompanied by strong winds, poor visibility, hail, flash floods, high waves, and thunderstorms.

Makkah Region

In response, the Crisis and Disaster Management Center in Makkah has urged motorists and beachgoers to take precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and steer clear of waterlogged zones. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms, hail, dust storms, and high waves are expected in the region on Monday and Tuesday.

Torrential rain, hail, and dust-laden winds are forecast for Makkah City, Jeddah, Bahra, Al-Jumum, Rabigh, Kholais, and Al-Kamel, while moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Taif, Maysan, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Al-Khurma, Rania, Al-Laith, and Al-Qunfudah.

Madinah Region

Rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions on Sunday and Monday, January 6, and in Jouf and the Northern Borders from Sunday evening until Tuesday, January 7.

Hail and thunderstorms are expected in Hail and Qassim. The public is advised to stay updated with weather reports via daily bulletins, the Anwaa app, and social media channels.

Rough sea alert

In the Red Sea, wind conditions will vary: northerly to northwesterly winds in the north, northwesterly to southwesterly in the center, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the south, with wind speeds of 20-60 km/h. Wave heights may range from 1 to over 2 meters, with the sea conditions shifting between calm and choppy.

In the Arabian Gulf, southeasterly to southerly winds are expected at speeds of 15-35 km/h, with wave heights ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters, resulting in relatively calm sea conditions.

Public caution urged

As thunderstorms are forecasted to affect several regions, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has emphasized the need for heightened awareness and caution. The public is urged to stay in safe areas, avoid valleys and flood-prone zones, and exercise particular caution when swimming.

Additionally, the Civil Defense advises following the safety guidelines shared by relevant authorities on social media platforms throughout this period of severe weather to ensure personal safety