Saudi Arabia’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a red-level weather alert for 11 regions across the kingdom, warning of torrential rain, flash flooding and strong winds expected to affect large parts of the country through Friday. The alert, which covers areas including the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and parts of the north and south, comes as a deep low-pressure system moves across the Arabian Peninsula, drawing in moist air from the Red Sea and generating unstable atmospheric conditions.
The warning, upgraded from yellow to red on Thursday morning, signals the highest level of alert under Saudi Arabia’s weather warning system, indicating a significant risk to life and property. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in wadis (dry riverbeds) and low-lying areas prone to sudden flooding, and to secure loose objects outdoors that could become hazardous in high winds. Civil defence teams have been placed on standby across the affected regions, with rescue units pre-positioned in areas historically vulnerable to flash floods.
According to the NCM’s official forecast, rainfall totals could exceed 50 millimetres in some locations within a six-hour period, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 100mm — amounts that far surpass the average monthly rainfall for many of these regions. Wind gusts are expected to reach 60–80 kilometres per hour, particularly in exposed coastal and elevated terrain, increasing the risk of structural damage, fallen trees, and disrupted power lines. The system is likewise expected to bring frequent lightning and hail in some inland zones.
The Eastern Province, including the cities of Dammam, Al-Ahsa, and Qatif, has been highlighted as one of the most at-risk areas, with local authorities activating emergency protocols and advising schools and government offices to shift to remote operations where feasible. In Riyadh, the capital, officials have urged residents to monitor updates via the NCM’s official app and social media channels, whereas reminding the public to avoid driving through flooded roads — a common cause of weather-related fatalities in the kingdom.
Flash floods, known locally as sayl, pose a particular danger in Saudi Arabia’s arid landscape, where dry riverbeds can transform into fast-moving torrents within minutes of heavy rainfall. The terrain’s low absorption capacity means water runs off rapidly, often with little warning. Past events, such as the 2009 Jeddah floods that killed over 100 people and the 2015 floods in Mecca during the Hajj season, have underscored the require for improved urban drainage and public awareness campaigns.
In response to the current threat, the Saudi Civil Defence Directorate has issued a series of safety advisories, including:
- Avoid crossing wadis or walking near streambeds during and immediately after rainfall.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads — as little as 15 centimetres of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
- Secure outdoor items such as furniture, tents, and construction materials.
- Keep emergency kits ready, including flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and first-aid supplies.
- Follow official updates from the NCM (@NCM_KSA on X) and Civil Defence (@CivilDefenseKSA).
Meteorologists attribute the intensity of this system to a combination of factors, including a strong jet stream aloft drawing cold air from the north, warm surface temperatures over the Arabian Gulf increasing evaporation, and a trough of low pressure enhancing lift and instability. While such systems are not uncommon during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, the current event stands out for its broad geographic coverage and the issuance of a red alert across multiple regions simultaneously.
The NCM, established in 2005 under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, serves as the kingdom’s official authority for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. It operates a network of Doppler radar stations, automated weather stations, and satellite receiving units across Saudi Arabia, providing data that supports aviation safety, agricultural planning, and disaster preparedness. The centre also collaborates with regional bodies such as the Panel on Tropical Cyclones in the Arabian Sea and international partners like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
As of Thursday evening, no casualties had been reported in connection with the weather system, though several minor incidents — including road closures in Al-Qassim and temporary power outages in parts of Ha’il — were logged by local authorities. The NCM has indicated that the most intense rainfall is expected to occur between late Thursday night and early Friday afternoon, with conditions gradually improving by Friday evening as the system moves eastward toward the Gulf.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring official channels for updates, as weather warnings can be upgraded or expanded based on real-time observations. The NCM’s website (ncm.gov.sa) and mobile app provide live radar imagery, hourly forecasts, and alert notifications in both Arabic and English.
While the immediate focus remains on public safety, the event also highlights broader challenges related to climate variability in the region. Saudi Arabia, like many parts of the Middle East, is experiencing shifts in precipitation patterns, with some studies indicating an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events despite overall aridity. These trends underscore the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning capacity, and community preparedness.
For now, the priority is clear: heed the warnings, avoid unnecessary risks, and rely on verified information from official sources. As one civil defence officer in Dammam noted during a briefing on Thursday, “The desert does not forgive haste. When the rain comes, it comes fast — and respect for its power saves lives.”
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this developing weather situation, including any updates to alerts, emergency responses, or regional impacts as they become available through official channels.