Saudi Arabia Weather Alert: NCM Warns of Severe Storms, Flash Floods, and Hazardous Seas
The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a severe weather warning for major parts of Saudi Arabia, forecasting powerful storms capable of triggering flash floods, hail, and damaging winds. Residents across multiple regions are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
Regions on High Alert: Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Forecast
The latest NCM advisory indicates that intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to sweep through key provinces, including:
Makkah (Mecca)
Madinah (Medina)
Riyadh
Eastern Province
Qassim
Northern Borders
Areas such as Hail, Tabuk, and Al Jouf may experience light to moderate rain. The forecast warns that these convective storms pose a significant flash flood risk, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas. Accompanying hazards include strong winds and hail, with potential for reduced visibility due to fog in southwestern highlands.
Deteriorating Marine Conditions: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf Warnings
The severe weather system extends to Saudi Arabia’s coastlines, with the NCM issuing critical maritime alerts:
Red Sea: Northwest to north winds at 18-40 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, will create moderate to rough seas, especially near the Bab Al Mandeb Strait. Thunderstorms may further exacerbate conditions.
Arabian Gulf: More severe deterioration is expected. Southeasterly to southerly winds at 10-35 km/h will strengthen beyond 60 km/h in parts, generating dangerous waves between 0.5 to 1.5 meters, exceeding 2.5 meters in some areas. Sea states will shift from slight to rough, with thunderstorms in the northern Gulf.
Context: A Pattern of Unstable Weather
This alert follows a series of recent bulletins warning of unstable conditions across the Kingdom. Provinces like Asir, Al Baha, Jazan, Tabuk, and Al-Jouf have been repeatedly cited for similar threats of heavy rain, dust storms, and sudden downpours. This pattern highlights an increasing exposure to volatile weather in regions traditionally characterized by an arid climate.
Official Safety Precautions and Public Advisory
Authorities are emphasizing public safety and preparedness. Key recommendations include:
For Residents: Avoid travel during peak storm conditions, especially in flood-prone zones near valleys, dams, or low-lying areas. Stay indoors and secure outdoor objects.
For Mariners: All coastal and maritime operators must exercise high vigilance. Avoid navigation in the warned areas of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf due to high waves, strong winds, and unpredictable thunderstorms.
Stay Informed: The NCM stresses the importance of following real-time updates exclusively from official channels, including government social media and trusted local news outlets, as conditions can change rapidly.
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Conclusion: Vigilance is Paramount
As Saudi Arabia experiences this intense stormy period, the combination of public vigilance, adherence to official warnings, and robust infrastructure response will be crucial to minimize disruption and ensure community safety. The evolving situation underscores the need for continuous monitoring of NCM advisories to navigate the hazards posed by flash floods, severe winds, and turbulent seas.
