Red alerts issued as thunderstorms, hail and flash floods sweep across Saudi regions

JEDDAH — Red alerts for thunderstorms accompanied by hail and flash floods are expected to remain in effect across several regions of the Kingdom through Friday, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). Through September 4, the NCM forecasts continued thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall across parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah regions. Rainfall is expected to intensify on Wednesday over parts of Jazan and Asir, while light to moderate rain is forecast over parts of Najran Region. Jazan will see moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Al-Rayth, Harub, Al-Dayer, Al-Haydabi, Fayfa, Al-Aridah, Al-Harith, Al-Tuwal, Al-Darb, Baysh, Sabya, Dhamad, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah and Samtah. Jazan and Farasan are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rain during varying periods. Meanwhile Asir is epxected to experience moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rufaidah, Sarat Ubaidah, Al-Harjah, Dhahran Al-Janub, Al-Namas, Al-Farshah, Tanomah, Rijal Almaa, Bariq, Mahayil Asir, Al-Majardah and Balqarn. Rainfall is expected to intensify on Wednesday. **media[2759537]** In Al-Baha, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Qilwah, Bani Hasan, Al-Qura, Al-Makhwah, Al-Hajrah, Ghamid Al-Zinad, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq and Al-Aqiq. For the Makkah Region, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat, while Taif is expected to receive moderate rain. In Najran Region, light to moderate rain is forecast over Najran, Badr Al-Janub, Hubuna and Thar. The NCM classifies light rainfall as 1–4 millimeters per hour, with downdraft winds stirring dust and sand at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. Moderate rainfall is classified as 5–9 millimeters per hour and may be accompanied by downdraft winds stirring dust and sand at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, flash floods, hail and rising waves along the coasts. Heavy rainfall is classified as 10–50 millimeters per hour or more and may be accompanied by downdraft winds stirring dust and sand at speeds of 60 kilometers per hour or more, flash floods, hail, rising waves along the coasts, and the possibility of funnel-shaped tornadoes or waterspouts. The NCM urged the public to follow updates on affected governorates and the timing of weather impacts through its Early Warning page, the Anwaa app and the center's social media accounts.