Saudi authorities warn of rain, thunderstorms until Saturday

National Center for Meteorology, Civil Defense warn of rains, thunderstorms until Saturday, urge people to exercise caution. (AN)
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  • Makkah region to experience moderate rain that may lead to flash floods

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense on Wednesday warned of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the Kingdom until Saturday as most parts of the country experience a chilly winter.

The authorities urged people to avoid valleys and low-lying water-logged areas susceptible to flooding and to follow instructions issued through official portals and social media platforms.

The meteorology center, forecasting rainfall from Thursday to Saturday, said: “Some areas in the Kingdom are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall. We urge everyone to follow the warnings issued about the expected situation via the center’s website, social media, and the Anwa app.”

According to the center, areas to experience rainfall include Makkah, Baha, Madinah, Tabuk, Jouf, Hail, the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province.

The Civil Defense urged people to exercise caution due to rain and thunderstorms expected to continue in the Kingdom until Saturday.

“People are advised to avoid valleys prone to torrents, including swimming there, and comply with the instructions issued in the media,” it said.

It added that the light to moderate showers in the Makkah region may lead to flash floods, hailstorms, and dust-stirring winds.

The directorate also warned that light rain and dust-stirring winds will fall in the Riyadh region.

The chilly winter in the northern region continued unabated with Qurayyat recording -1 degree Celsius, Turaif 0 degrees, Rafha 1 degree, Arar 2 degrees, Sakaka and Hail 3 degrees, and Tabuk 5 degrees.