Saudi Arabia on high alert: Heavy rainfall sweeps Mecca and Medina- Video

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail swept through most areas of the Mecca and Medina regions, including Jeddah city and its surrounding areas, on Monday, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

 Rainfall records across key areas

According to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Al-Shafiyah in Badr governorate recorded the highest rainfall at 49.2 mm, followed by Al-Basateen in Jeddah with 38 mm. Additional rainfall measurements included 36.1 mm in the Central Haram Area at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and 28.4 mm near Quba Mosque.

The ministry forecasts rainfall in Mecca, Medina, Qassim, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Jouf regions until Tuesday morning. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed ongoing rainy conditions and advised the public to monitor updates for safety precautions.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah advised travelers to check with their airlines for flight schedule updates. NCM Spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani confirmed ongoing rainfall across the Kingdom and urged caution. The NCM also warned of strong winds in Jazan city and the governorates of Farasan Islands, Al-Darb, and Beesh, with potential for reduced visibility and high waves.  

NCM Spokesperson Hussein Al Qahtani announced that a waterspout observed in Rabigh on Monday was the strongest recorded of its kind, reaching the shoreline and contributing to rising waves. The NCM's research department will study this phenomenon.

Videos of heavy rainfall in various parts of Saudi Arabia, including the Jeddah region, have been circulating on social media platforms like X. Footage of a waterspout forming off the Rabigh coast, located between Jeddah and Yanbu, was also widely shared.

The Jeddah Mayoralty deployed teams and equipment to manage the rainy conditions, focusing on removing water pools and ensuring traffic flow. They activated plans across 11 municipalities and 15 support centers, with 4,032 personnel and 1,811 pieces of equipment. The public was urged to take precautions, avoid waterlogged areas and electrical hazards, and report emergencies via 940 or the Baladi app.

The NCM lowered Jeddah's alert level from red to orange, but warned of continued moderate rain, strong winds, reduced visibility, high waves, thunderstorms, and potential water accumulation. The NCM reiterated its call for the public to heed official advisories and monitor weather updates.

Mecca authorities on high alert

In response to weather warnings, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Mecca has mobilised 1,420 staff members, 149 vehicles, and air ambulance services. SPA reports that teams are on high alert to address emergencies and ensure road safety. Residents are urged to cooperate with ambulance teams and use emergency hotlines such as 997.

The Mecca region's official social media handle shared photos highlighting traffic management efforts in Taif governorate during the rainfall. As a precaution, Al-Muhammadiyah Pass has been closed due to heavy rain and falling rocks.

The public is urged to stay away from waterlogged areas and electrical hazards, as well as adhere to weather advisories for personal safety. Heavy rain, flash floods, hailstorms, and high winds are expected to persist until Wednesday, the SPA noted.