The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution as thunderstorms are forecast across parts of Saudi Arabia from Wednesday through Monday, based on weather information issued by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Directorate called on residents to remain in safe places, stay away from valleys and areas where floodwaters collect, and avoid swimming in floodwaters. It also urged the public to follow instructions issued through various media outlets and official social media platforms.
Context and Background
The advisory forms part of the Kingdom’s established coordination between the National Center for Meteorology, which monitors and forecasts weather conditions, and the General Directorate of Civil Defense, which translates those forecasts into practical safety guidance for residents and visitors. Notices of this kind are issued whenever rainfall intensity, hail, or dust-raising winds raise the possibility of flash flooding or reduced visibility in populated, coastal, and mountainous areas.
Saudi Arabia’s varied terrain means weather systems can behave very differently over short distances, with highland areas of the southwest often receiving heavier rainfall and faster runoff than the coastal plains. The forecast in this instance covers a multi-day period running from Wednesday through Monday, so conditions may shift by region as the weather systems develop. Authorities therefore advise the public to rely on official channels for updates rather than unverified reports, and to adjust travel and outdoor plans accordingly.
Regional Forecast Details
According to the National Center for Meteorology, the Makkah Region is expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall that may cause flooding and hail, accompanied by downdrafts that stir up dust and sand. The forecast covers Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat, while Makkah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Al-Lith, and Al-Qunfudhah are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall.
Jazan, Aseer, and Al-Baha are likewise forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall that may cause flooding and hail, accompanied by dust- and sand-raising downdrafts. Light to moderate rainfall is forecast for the Madinah and Najran regions. The differing intensity across these areas reflects the Kingdom’s diverse geography, from Red Sea coastal communities to highland terrain where runoff can gather quickly in valleys and low-lying channels.
Public Safety Guidance
The Civil Defense asked residents to remain in safe locations, keep away from valleys and places where floodwaters accumulate, and avoid swimming in floodwaters, which can be deeper and faster moving than they appear. It also encouraged the public to monitor instructions published through media outlets and social media platforms, which remain the fastest routes for official updates during severe weather.
Implications and Impact
Heavy rain, hail, and blowing dust can affect road visibility and surface conditions, particularly on mountainous routes and in valley areas. Communities in the affected regions may see temporary disruption to daily travel, while emergency, municipal, and traffic teams remain on standby to respond where needed. Visitors, including pilgrims and tourists moving through the western and southwestern regions, are advised to plan journeys carefully and follow local guidance.
Because the event spans several days, the value of timely and accurate information is significant. The National Center for Meteorology continues to track developments, and the Civil Defense will relay updated guidance as conditions evolve, allowing families, businesses, and travellers to make informed decisions.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Swift public advisories of this kind reflect the Kingdom’s broader investment in modern public services, disaster preparedness, and quality of life under Saudi Vision 2030. Strengthened meteorological monitoring, early warning systems, and coordinated emergency response support resilient cities, protect residents and visitors, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and the well-being of all who live in or travel to the Kingdom.
20 Questions
Q1. When are thunderstorms forecast across parts of Saudi Arabia?
A1. The National Center for Meteorology forecasts thunderstorms across several regions from Wednesday through Monday, prompting the General Directorate of Civil Defense to issue a public caution notice carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
Q2. Which agency issued the weather forecast?
A2. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM), Saudi Arabia’s official meteorological authority, issued the forecast. The General Directorate of Civil Defense relayed the information to the public through official channels, including the Saudi Press Agency, as part of routine government coordination.
Q3. Which areas of Makkah Region may receive moderate to heavy rainfall?
A3. Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall that may cause flooding and hail. These areas may also experience downdrafts that stir up dust and sand, according to the forecast.
Q4. Which locations in Makkah Region are expected to receive lighter rainfall?
A4. Makkah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Al-Lith, and Al-Qunfudhah are forecast to receive light to moderate rainfall during the same period. Residents are still encouraged to follow official guidance and avoid low-lying areas.
Q5. What other regions are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall?
A5. Jazan, Aseer, and Al-Baha are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall that may cause flooding and hail, accompanied by dust- and sand-raising downdrafts, according to the National Center for Meteorology.
Q6. Which regions are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall?
A6. Madinah and Najran regions are forecast to receive light to moderate rainfall during the period covered by the National Center for Meteorology advisory, which runs from Wednesday through Monday. Residents have been asked to monitor official updates.
Q7. What specific safety advice did the Civil Defense give residents?
A7. The Civil Defense called on residents to remain in safe places, stay away from valleys and areas where floodwaters collect, and avoid swimming in floodwaters. The public was also urged to follow instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms.
Q8. Why does the Civil Defense warn against swimming in floodwaters?
A8. Floodwaters can be deeper and faster than they appear, may conceal debris, and can carry health risks. The Civil Defense therefore advises the public to avoid entering or swimming in floodwaters and to keep away from valleys and water collection points.
Q9. How can the public receive official updates?
A9. The Civil Defense urged the public to follow instructions issued through various media outlets and official social media platforms. These channels provide timely updates as the National Center for Meteorology refines its forecasts over the multi-day period.
Q10. What weather phenomena accompany the heavier rainfall?
A10. The forecast notes hail and downdrafts that stir up dust and sand in the affected areas. These conditions can reduce visibility and affect road safety, which is why officials advise residents to remain in safe places and avoid unnecessary travel.
Q11. Which authority is responsible for weather forecasting in Saudi Arabia?
A11. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is Saudi Arabia’s official authority for weather monitoring and forecasting. It provides data to government agencies, including the General Directorate of Civil Defense, which translates those forecasts into public safety guidance.
Q12. How long does the advisory period last?
A12. The advisory covers a period running from Wednesday through Monday, according to the statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. Conditions may vary by region and day, and officials are expected to issue updates as the forecast develops.
Q13. What is the General Directorate of Civil Defense?
A13. The General Directorate of Civil Defense is the Saudi government agency responsible for protecting lives and property, coordinating emergency response, and issuing public safety guidance during weather events such as thunderstorms, flooding, and other hazards across the Kingdom’s regions.
Q14. How does this forecast affect travel within the Kingdom?
A14. Heavy rainfall, hail, and blowing dust can reduce visibility and make some roads hazardous, particularly in mountainous and valley areas. Travellers are encouraged to check official updates, plan journeys carefully, and avoid routes through valleys and flood-prone locations.
Q15. What role does the Saudi Press Agency play?
A15. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) is the Kingdom’s official news agency and published the Civil Defense statement. It serves as a primary channel for verified government announcements, helping ensure that the public receives accurate and timely information.
Q16. Are pilgrims and visitors affected by the advisory?
A16. Visitors and pilgrims travelling through or near affected regions should follow official guidance, monitor weather updates, and avoid valleys and floodwater collection areas. Saudi authorities routinely coordinate safety measures to protect residents, pilgrims, and visitors during severe weather.
Q17. What should residents do if they encounter floodwaters?
A17. Residents should avoid entering floodwaters entirely, stay away from valleys and areas where water collects, and move to safe, elevated locations. They should follow instructions issued by the Civil Defense through official media and social media channels.
Q18. Does the forecast indicate a prolonged weather event?
A18. The forecast covers several days, from Wednesday through Monday, with varying intensity across regions. Because conditions can change, the National Center for Meteorology continues monitoring, and the Civil Defense advises the public to rely on official updates.
Q19. How does Saudi Arabia prepare for severe weather events?
A19. Saudi Arabia relies on coordination between the National Center for Meteorology, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, and regional authorities. Early warnings, public advisories, and emergency readiness help protect communities and infrastructure, reflecting the Kingdom’s focus on safety and resilience.
Q20. How does weather safety connect to Vision 2030?
A20. Saudi Vision 2030 prioritizes quality of life, safety, and modern public services. Investments in meteorological monitoring, early warning systems, and emergency response support resilient cities and protect residents and visitors, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader goals for sustainable development.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.