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The General Directorate of Civil Defense called on the public to remain in safe locations and steer clear of valleys as well as spots where water accumulates during the ongoing weather disturbances. According to a dispatch from the Saudi Press Agency on October 16, the directorate advised against swimming in such areas and emphasized the need to follow all guidance distributed through media outlets and social media platforms. The warning highlighted the continuation of thunderstorms across much of the kingdom through Wednesday, based on assessments from the National Center for Meteorology. Officials framed the alert as a precautionary step applicable to residents and visitors alike.
National Center for Meteorology forecasts detail moderate to heavy rainfall in sections of Makkah, Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha regions, conditions that could trigger flash floods along with hail. Strong downdraft winds are expected to raise dust and sand in these areas, at times cutting horizontal visibility to near zero, the center’s data indicates. Similar threats extend to parts of Hail, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders region, where the same mix of precipitation and wind is anticipated. The center tied these expectations to a developing weather system affecting multiple provinces.
Light to moderate rain is projected for portions of Madinah, Tabuk and the Eastern Province, according to the National Center for Meteorology. The center has additionally flagged the likelihood of fog developing overnight and into early morning along coastal zones in Madinah, Makkah and the Eastern Province. These elements form part of a sustained weather pattern that has already produced notable rainfall in recent days.
The latest warnings align with the National Center for Meteorology’s September outlook that projected above-average rainfall probabilities reaching 80 percent across most regions for October, according to statements from NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani. Recent storms produced lightning strikes over Sakaka in Al-Jouf, as captured in imagery distributed by the Saudi Press Agency. The National Center for Meteorology has noted that such seasonal rains can support vegetation in Asir highlands and aid winter vegetable cultivation in Qassim even as hazards persist. This dual nature underscores the scope of the current forecast.
General Directorate of Civil Defense instructions stress the importance of monitoring updates from authorized channels to adjust movements and activities accordingly. The Saudi Press Agency report noted that the directorate’s guidance applies uniformly to residents and visitors in all affected governorates. This approach draws from established protocols for managing weather-related hazards in the kingdom.
National Center for Meteorology assessments indicate the unsettled conditions could extend in varying intensities with climate indicators suggesting possible continuation into November. Coordination between meteorological services and civil defense teams has shaped the timing and content of public alerts throughout the active weather period. Authorities have reiterated the call for adherence to safety directives to minimize risks associated with the forecasted phenomena.
