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The National Center for Meteorology has placed several governorates under its highest warning level as a weather disturbance brings heavy precipitation to southwestern Saudi Arabia. Red alerts target areas in the Makkah region including Taif, Al-Ardiyat and Madrakah, while Al-Baha sees coverage for Al-Baha, Al-Mukhwah and associated centers. The alerts, which began on the morning of September 22, 2026, extend to districts in Asir such as Abha, Al-Namas and Muhayil as well as parts of Jazan, where heavy rain is expected to continue through the afternoon and evening hours.
According to the center’s early warning platform, these red alerts are accompanied by expectations of strong winds, hail, thunder and reduced horizontal visibility that could reach near zero in affected zones. The system lists a total of 15 active red warnings as part of 32 overall alerts currently in force across the kingdom. NCM data indicates the rain events may lead to flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas, prompting the need for public awareness in the specified locations.
NCM assessments also include orange-level alerts for moderate rainfall in additional governorates within the same four regions, where similar but less intense conditions are projected. These cover further sites in Al-Baha and Makkah with forecasts of active winds and possible hail. The center’s update from September 21 detailed the progression of the weather system that has been influencing the area for several days.
In addition to the rain alerts, the National Center for Meteorology has forecast active surface winds in the Eastern Province, Riyadh and northern regions that could stir dust and reduce visibility. Fog formation is possible overnight in southwestern highlands and parts of the Eastern Province, the center reported. Yellow alerts for lighter phenomena such as fog in Tabuk complete the current warning picture.
The National Center for Meteorology maintains a comprehensive digital platform that delivers these alerts through maps, timelines and mobile notifications to help residents prepare. This latest issuance continues a pattern of heightened weather activity in the kingdom’s southern and western areas during the current season. Updates from the center advise monitoring for changes as the situation evolves over the coming days.
The early warning system details specific start and end times for each alert, with most red warnings active from early morning until late evening on Tuesday. For instance, alerts in Al-Baha cover from noon to 8 p.m. in certain centers according to NCM data. Such precise timing allows local authorities and citizens to take appropriate measures against the associated risks of lightning and torrential downpours.
