Heavy Thunderstorms, Flash Flood Risk Through Tuesday

Heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail and a risk of flash floods are forecast over parts of Saudi Arabia from Friday through Tuesday, with rainfall intensity varying from one region to another,

Forecasts indicate rainfall rates that may reach around 10 to 50 millimetres along with the potential for strong downdraft winds exceeding 60 km/h, blowing dust, hail, lightning, waterspouts, and flash floods.

Regions in focus

In the Asir region, heavy rain is expected at varying times from Friday to Tuesday over Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Al-Harajah, Dhahran Al-Janub, Al-Farshah, Al-Namas, Tanomah, Rijal Alma, Bareq, Mahayil Asir, Al-Majardah, and Balqarn, with rainfall expected to intensify on Friday and Saturday. Across Jazan and Asir, thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rain and hail may cause flash floods in some areas.

A recent alert also covered parts of the Eastern Region, including Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Al Khubar, Al Qatif, and Ras Tannurah, specifying an event window from 09:00 to 19:00 on a given day and applying to entire governorates as well as open areas and highways.

Earlier outlooks this year pointed to widespread thunderstorms from Friday through Tuesday across several regions, with moderate to heavy rainfall especially over Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha, and lighter rain over Al-Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the northern and eastern border regions.

Why it matters

Sudden heavy rain can quickly lead to flash floods, hail, and dust storms in valleys, open areas, and along highways. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from flooded valleys and low-lying areas, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, and follow official early warnings and Civil Defense guidance for the latest updates and validity periods of active alerts.

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