National Meteorology Center Issues Critical Weather Alert for Makkah Region
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has escalated its weather monitoring to issue an urgent alert specifically for the Makkah region, forecasting a dramatic departure from the area's characteristic arid climate. Meteorologists are predicting the arrival of intense winter storms that could transform the landscape of the Holy Capital and its surrounding governorates. This significant weather shift, tracked as of February 4, 2026, represents an unusual atmospheric development for February, typically a month of stable conditions in this part of Saudi Arabia.
Unprecedented Storm System Brings Multiple Hazards
This is not merely a routine weather disturbance; the NCM has identified specific dangerous elements accompanying these storms. The forecast includes moderate to heavy thunderstorms capable of producing substantial rainfall across the region. More alarmingly, meteorologists have warned of hail formation and powerful "downdraft winds" that could accelerate to speeds reaching 60 kilometers per hour. These intense wind gusts possess sufficient force to lift significant amounts of dust and sand, creating hazardous conditions with near-zero horizontal visibility in exposed areas and along major highways.
Comprehensive Risk Assessment for Residents and Pilgrims
The meteorological agency has outlined several critical risks associated with this weather system:
- Flash Flood Threats: Rainfall intensity is expected to exceed 10 millimeters per hour in certain zones, creating a high probability of flash floods in valley areas and low-lying urban districts where drainage may be overwhelmed.
- Hail Damage Potential: The forecasted hail presents tangible risks to property and vehicles. Residents are strongly advised to secure outdoor belongings and avoid parking in unprotected, open spaces that could sustain damage from falling ice pellets.
- Coastal Disruptions: For communities along the Red Sea coastline within the Makkah region, including Jeddah and Rabigh, the storm system is anticipated to generate rough sea conditions with wave heights potentially surpassing two meters, posing navigation hazards.
Emergency Services Activate Full Readiness Protocols
In response to the escalating weather threat, the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Crisis and Disaster Management Center in Makkah have transitioned to complete operational readiness. Authorities are disseminating crucial safety guidelines that the public must follow during this dangerous weather episode. The most critical directive emphasizes avoiding valley crossings or "wadis" susceptible to sudden torrents, where deceptive water currents can prove fatal. Pilgrims performing religious rituals, particularly in open-air locations, are urged to exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to security personnel instructions. Motorists are being cautioned to refrain from road travel during the storm's peak to avoid waterlogged streets and hazardous wind conditions.
Broader Weather Pattern Affecting Multiple Saudi Regions
This significant storm system extends beyond Mecca's boundaries, forming part of a larger atmospheric pattern influencing weather across the Kingdom. Meteorological models indicate that various regions including Riyadh, Jazan, Asir, and Al Baha will experience similar weather episodes with varying intensities of thunderstorms, rainfall, and hail. This pattern aligns with recent meteorological events that have brought widespread precipitation, dust storms, and flash flooding to multiple provinces, prompting the NCM to consistently emphasize public vigilance and adherence to official advisories in all affected areas.
Detailed Expectations for Mecca's Urban Environment
Within Mecca itself, residents and visitors should prepare for rapidly changing conditions characterized by brief but intense rainfall periods, thunder activity, and intermittent hail. While light showers occasionally occur during transitional seasons, storms of this magnitude with hail components represent notable meteorological events requiring heightened awareness. The city's infrastructure, including intersections, narrow streets, and drainage systems, typically manages lighter precipitation without major disruption. However, sustained heavy downpours could overwhelm these systems, leading to localized flooding incidents and creating slippery surfaces that pose additional safety risks.
This unusual February weather surge represents a significant departure from typical climatic patterns, transforming dusty horizons into rain-soaked landscapes across western and northern parts of the Kingdom. Residents are already observing darker cloud formations gathering over the Grand Mosque area, signaling a rare but powerful encounter with nature's elements that demands respect and preparedness.
