https://arab.news/wqpap
- Nationwide alert over flash floods, hail, and strong winds
- Remote learning triggered in affected governorates
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has called on residents to remain vigilant and avoid flood-prone areas as thunderstorms are forecast to continue affecting much of the Kingdom through Friday, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Citing projections from the National Center for Meteorology, authorities warned that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across multiple regions, including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, the Eastern Region, Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran.
The weather conditions may trigger flash floods, hailstorms, and strong downdrafts capable of generating dust and sandstorms that reduce visibility.
In response to the severe weather, Hafar Al-Batin University announced the suspension of in-person classes on Monday, shifting to remote learning across its colleges and in the governorates of Khafji and Al-Nairyah, following meteorological advisories.
Dry riverbeds in Tabuk region come to life after days of rain. (SPA)
The Civil Defense emphasized the need to stay in safe locations, avoid flood-prone places, and refrain from swimming in affected areas, while closely following official updates through media and social platforms.
The warnings come amid a series of escalating weather alerts over the weekend. On Sunday, the meteorology center issued a red alert for the Madinah Region, forecasting intense rainfall accompanied by gusty winds, hail, and near-zero visibility conditions. Similar patterns were observed across other regions, with widespread rain and dust-stirring winds reported.
Forecasts carried by SPA over the past two days highlighted a progression of unstable weather, beginning Saturday with moderate to heavy rain in northern and western regions and intensifying Sunday to include central and eastern areas. Marine conditions in both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf remained relatively calm, despite fluctuating wind speeds.
Authorities continue to monitor developments closely, urging the public to prioritize safety as unstable weather conditions persist across the Kingdom.