The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a red alert for several regions of Saudi Arabia, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected on Thursday. The alert highlights a high risk of flash floods in southern highlands and significant dust storms that will reduce visibility across the Eastern Province.
Meteorological data indicates a concentrated weather system bringing intense precipitation to the southwest, while simultaneous wind patterns are triggering airborne dust in the east. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid valley floors and maintain caution on highways due to sudden visibility drops and hazardous road conditions.
The NCM, the kingdom’s official weather authority, categorized the alert as “red,” the highest level of warning, signifying that the weather conditions may pose a direct threat to life and property if precautions are not taken. This system is designed to trigger emergency responses from civil defense and municipal services in the affected provinces.
Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flood Risks in Southern Highlands
The most severe precipitation is forecasted for the southern regions, with Al-Baha and surrounding highlands identified as primary zones for heavy rain and hail. According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning through Thursday evening.
Meteorologists warn that the intensity of the rainfall in these mountainous areas increases the likelihood of flash floods, or “siul,” which can rapidly fill dry riverbeds (wadis). This phenomenon is particularly dangerous for commuters and residents in low-lying areas. The NCM has advised the public to stay away from water drainage paths and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, regardless of vehicle type.
In addition to the rain, hail is expected in the higher elevations of Al-Baha. These conditions often lead to temporary road closures and can cause damage to vehicles and agricultural crops. Local emergency services are on high alert to manage potential landslides or road blockages in the rugged southern terrain.
Dust Storms and Reduced Visibility in the Eastern Province
While the south faces water-based hazards, the Eastern Province is under warning for active winds and dust storms. The National Center of Meteorology reports that strong surface winds are lifting large quantities of sand, which significantly obscures visibility on major transport arteries.
These dust storms are often accompanied by gusty winds that can impact aviation and maritime operations in the Gulf region. Drivers are cautioned to reduce speed and use fog lights if visibility drops below safe operating levels. The NCM notes that these wind patterns are part of a broader atmospheric instability affecting the Arabian Peninsula.
The contrast in weather patterns—heavy rain in the southwest and dry, dusty winds in the east—reflects the complex interaction between moist air from the Red Sea and dry air masses from the interior desert. This divergence requires different emergency protocols for each region, with the south focusing on flood mitigation and the east on road safety and respiratory health for those sensitive to dust.
Official Safety Guidance and Public Response
The Saudi government has activated multiple safety protocols to mitigate the impact of the red alert. Civil Defense teams have been deployed to high-risk zones to monitor water levels in wadis and provide immediate assistance in the event of entrapment or property damage.
Official guidance issued to the public includes the following directives:
- Avoid all valley bottoms and flood-prone areas during and immediately after rainfall.
- Secure outdoor equipment and loose structures in the Eastern Province to prevent wind damage.
- Monitor official NCM channels for real-time updates and localized warnings.
- Limit non-essential travel during the peak of the storm activity on Thursday.
The NCM continues to track the movement of the weather system via satellite and radar. The center emphasizes that “red alerts” are based on high-confidence forecasts of severe impact, meaning the probability of hazardous weather is significant enough to warrant immediate public caution.
For residents and travelers, the most reliable source for current warnings is the NCM mobile application and the official Saudi Press Agency bulletins, which provide region-specific updates every few hours.
The next official weather update is scheduled for Thursday night, which will determine if the red alerts will be downgraded or extended into Friday. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the National Center of Meteorology to stay informed of changing conditions.
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