Heavy rains lashed Riyadh in the forenoon yesterday. Worshippers in some areas went for Friday prayers completely drenched.

Dark clouds gave the city a gloomy look. Although it was a weekend, people preferred to stay indoors.

The Riyadh Civil Defense Department advised people to take extra precaution and to follow instructions being displayed on electronic billboards in view of heavy rainfall.

A senior Met Office official said torrential rains would continue with thunder and lightning in Riyadh and Qassim regions.

He said rain clouds were approaching Riyadh. Rains are also expected in Taif, Bisha, Baha, Najran, Wadi Dawasir, Makkah, Madinah, Hail and Tabuk.

The weather office called on beach-goers, fishermen and those plying the highways to take all precautions.

Torrential rains were reported in the Namas province yesterday.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs directed mayors of all regions yesterday to take measures to deal with the heavy rainfall and possible floods.

A traffic official said no major accidents were reported. “However, officials manned strategic places to warn motorists to slow down because of the inclement weather,” he said.

Officials of the Saudi Red Crescent were on high alert on the highway to help people in distress.

“The rains have brought good tidings for the spring,” an official from the Wildlife Conservation and Development told Arab News. He said that heavy downpour is ideal for good plant cover. He said the people would see the blossoming of desert flowers and plants after the rains. “The rains will greatly benefit the wildlife, providing water and necessary food for its sustenance,” he said.