RIYADH: Heavy rain lashed the capital on Sunday evening, throwing traffic out of gear in many parts of the city and bringing down the temperature.

However, no untoward incident was reported from any area, thanks to an advanced weather alert issued by the Met department.

The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) has forecast torrential rain and thunderstorm, accompanied by cold wind, in Riyadh and Eastern Province, extending to the southwestern and western highlands of the Kingdom for the next 48 hours.

Thick fog during the night and early morning is likely over parts of the south-western highlands on Monday.

The Takhassussi road and King Fahd highway suffered heavy traffic jams due to the rain, which lasted for more than 15 minutes on Sunday. The presence of traffic police at strategic points helped in streamlining traffic, which moved slowly but steadily.

The maximum temperature in the capital hovered between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. The sky was overcast in areas in the north and similar weather conditions prevailed in Dawadmi, about 350 km from the capital.

The Riyadh municipality, traffic department, health facilities and the Saudi Red Crescent were kept ready for any emergencies.

The police warned motorists to remain indoors during heavy rain and advised people against going to parks and places near watercourses when it is raining.

The Riyadh Traffic Department, under its director Brig. Gen. Ali Al-Dubaighi, has drawn up a comprehensive plan to meet the traffic congestion during the anticipated heavy showers in the coming days.