NCM Weather Alerts: Rain, Flash Floods in Saudi Regions

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issues color-coded weather alerts across Saudi Arabia through its Early Warning System, including red alerts for heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms and the risk of flash floods. Earlier in 2026, such alerts covered several regions including Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah, as well as Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders at different times.

Red-alert notices typically warn of heavy to very heavy rainfall, hail, flash floods, dangerous flows in valleys and near dams, strong and dust-stirring winds, and near-zero horizontal visibility. Each alert specifies a start and end date and time, with validity windows set for particular hours or days in the affected areas.

As of late August 2026, the NCM early-warning page shows no active red warnings at the national level, with lower-level orange warnings used for moderate rains and thunderstorms.

How residents receive alerts

Weather warnings reach the public through several channels: the NCM Early Warning System web portal with color-coded maps, official NCM mobile applications and push notifications, Civil Defense public safety advisories, and national and local SMS, TV and radio broadcasts. During red alerts, Civil Defense typically urges people in affected regions, including Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah, to take precautions and avoid valleys and flood-prone areas.

These alerts are public safety notices and carry no mandatory fees or permits for residents or visitors. They are not processed through user platforms such as Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath or Tawakkalna; they are issued directly by the NCM and amplified by Civil Defense and media. Staying aware of these warnings helps residents plan travel and daily activities safely during periods of unstable weather.

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