Saudi Arabia's NCM Issues Widespread Weather Alerts for Rain and Winds
Saudi Arabia's National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has activated orange and yellow weather alerts across numerous regions of the Kingdom, cautioning residents about impending rainfall, powerful winds, and diminished visibility in several key areas. The alerts signal potentially hazardous conditions that could impact daily activities and travel.
Orange Alerts for Moderate to Heavy Weather Conditions
According to the NCM, orange-level alerts, which denote moderate to heavy weather scenarios accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, have been declared for specific parts of the Riyadh Region and Makkah Region. In the Riyadh Region, the warning encompasses Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dalam, Al-Muzahimiyah, and Hotat Bani Tamim, effective from 12:15 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Additionally, Riyadh city and Diriyah are anticipated to face similar conditions from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
The NCM has also issued an orange alert for areas within the Makkah Region, including Adham and Maysan, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Authorities have emphasized that this weather system may bring not only rainfall and strong winds but also reduced visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms, posing risks to safety and infrastructure.
Yellow Alerts for Light Fog and Active Winds
Alongside the orange warnings, the NCM has released yellow-level alerts for various locations across the Madinah Region, Riyadh Region, the Eastern Province, and Makkah Region. In the Madinah Region, light fog is forecasted for Al-Rais and Yanbu between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., with horizontal visibility expected to decrease to between 3 and 5 kilometres, as per the NCM's assessment.
Parts of the Riyadh Region are also projected to experience active winds. The NCM indicated that Al-Dawadmi and Afif could witness wind speeds reaching 40 to 49 km/h from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., potentially leading to reduced horizontal visibility and challenging driving conditions.
Eastern Province and Makkah Region Forecasts
In the Eastern Province, light rainfall is predicted for Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., accompanied by active winds, thunderstorms, and possible reductions in visibility, according to the NCM. This could affect coastal and industrial activities in the area.
Furthermore, the NCM has warned that Taif in the Makkah Region might experience light rainfall from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with active winds, thunderstorms, and diminished horizontal visibility anticipated during this period. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments and take necessary precautions.
The NCM's proactive alerts aim to ensure public safety by providing timely information on adverse weather patterns across Saudi Arabia. Citizens and visitors are urged to heed these warnings, avoid unnecessary travel in affected zones, and follow official guidelines to mitigate risks associated with the inclement weather.
