RIYADH: Moderate to heavy rains, along with strong winds and thunderstorms, have been forecast for the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and part of the western and southern regions.
The National Center of Meteorology forecast on Thursday warned: “Gusty winds will blow and moderate to heavy rain and hail may fall in parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah.”
A red alert has been issued for the Madinah region, while light to moderate rain could fall in part of Hail and Tabuk. There will be dust-stirring winds in parts of Riyadh, the Eastern Region and Najran.
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has also issued safety instructions alongside warnings of inclement weather as the regions brace themselves heavy rainfall.
People in Makkah, Madinah, Najran, Jizan and all areas where the NCM has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall are urged to take appropriate precautions, remain indoors during stormy weather, and adhere to safety instructions.
“The Civil Defense calls for caution and following instructions due to the weather conditions witnessed in these regions,” wrote the General Directorate on X.
According to the forecast, there will be north westerly to westerly winds of 18-40 kph over the northern part of the Red Sea, and south westerly to north westerly winds reaching 15-60 kph across the central and southern parts.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will blow northerly to north westerly at speeds of 20-40 kph in the northern and central parts, and westerly to south westerly at speeds of 10-20 kph in the southern part.
