Saudi Arabia braces for continued thunderstorms and flood risks

NCM forecasts moderate to heavy rains, hail and strong winds in several provinces

Last updated: August 11, 2025 | 15:15

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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In this file photo, a flooded street is seen in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region.

Videograb/ Gulf News archives

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds over parts of Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca regions, leading to flash flooding.

Lighter to moderate rainfall is also expected in areas of Medina, Tabuk, Al Jouf, Northern Borders, and Najran. Partly cloudy to overcast skies are predicted with a chance of light thunderstorms and dust storms in Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Qassim.

Also Read: Horrifying flood fury: Extreme weather in the age of climate change

The weather report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will vary from northwest to west in the northern section and southwest to south in the central and southern parts, with speeds ranging from 12 to 42 km/h, increasing to over 50 km/h in some areas.

Also Read: Washed Away: Pakistan faces escalating rains, floods as climate crisis deepens

Thunderstorm clouds are expected to raise wave heights from half a metre up to two meters, making sea conditions range from light to rough.

Meanwhile, over the Arabian Gulf, surface winds are expected to blow from southeast to south at speeds between 10 and 26 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, and generally calm sea conditions.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

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.