Civil Defense urges caution as thunderstorms continue across Saudi Arabia through Friday
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense warned citizens to remain cautious as thunderstorms are forecast to persist across most of the country until Friday. The agency urged people to stay in safe locations and avoid areas where floodwater collects, including valleys and any standing water. It also advised against swimming in flood‑affected zones. Authorities asked the public to follow safety instructions broadcast through traditional media and social platforms. The National Center for Meteorology indicated that the Makkah region could receive moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by hail and dust‑raising downdraft winds. Similar weather patterns were expected in other regions, raising the risk of flooding and related hazards.
RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of Saudi Arabia through Friday.The directorate advised people to remain in safe places, stay away from areas where flood waters accumulate, and from valleys, avoid swimming in floodwaters. It called on the public to follow safety instructions issued through various media outlets and social media platforms.The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) said the Makkah region is expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially causing flooding and hail, along with downdraft winds that stir up dust. Similar conditions are forecast for Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, and Eastern Province regions, where moderate to heavy rainfall could also cause flooding and hail, accompanied by dust-raising downdraft winds, the NCM added.