Severe storms to lash Saudi Arabia as NCM warns of flash floods

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds expected across multiple regions

Last updated: December 11, 2025 | 06:30

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File photo. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms, capable of triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and strong winds, are expected over parts of Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders.

Dubai: Heavy rainfall is set to continue across most regions of Saudi Arabia, the National Centre for Meteorology said in its forecast. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms, capable of triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and strong winds, are expected over parts of Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders.

Light to moderate rain is also likely in parts of Hail, Tabuk and Al Jouf, as well as across areas of the Kingdom’s southwestern highlands. Some regions may also experience patches of fog.

Also Read: UAE set for days of unstable weather as rain and fog return

The NCM reported that surface winds over the Red Sea will blow from the northwest to north in the northern and central areas, and from the southeast to south in the south, at speeds of 18 to 40 km/h, increasing to 50 km/h. Conditions will be moderate to rough, with thunderstorms and rainfall expected near the Bab Al Mandeb Strait.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to southerly at 10 to 35 km/h, strengthening to more than 60 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a metre to one and a half metres, rising to over two and a half metres in places. Sea conditions will vary from slight to moderate and may become rough, with thunderstorms and rainfall particularly affecting the northern Gulf.

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.