Saudi authorities call for caution as thunderstorms, hail set to hit until Saturday

Authorities on Monday urged the public to exercise caution as further rain and thunderstorms are forecast to hit most regions from Tuesday until Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

People are advised to avoid areas that might be susceptible to flooding, not to swim in open waters, and adhere to instructions announced through various media outlets, the General Directorate of Civil Defense said.

The Makkah region will be hit by moderate to heavy rains that may lead to torrential conditions, hail, and very fast descending winds reaching speeds of more than 60 kph, leading to rising waves on the coasts. These conditions will prevail in Makkah, Jeddah, Al-Jamoum, Al-Kamil, Khulais, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Rabigh, Bahrah, and Al-Laith.

A similar forecast has been issued for the Riyadh region, including Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quwayiyah, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Shaqraa, and Al-Majma’ah, as well as the regions of Madinah, Hail, Al-Qassim, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province.

Moderate rains and active downward winds are expected to give rise to dust and dirt in some regions of the Makkah region, including Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurma, Raniyah, Al-Qunfudhah, and the regions of Tabuk and Al-Baha.

Moderate to light rain and active downward winds are expected in some areas of the Riyadh region, including the capital, Rumah, Thadig, Marrat, Al-Muzahmiyya, Al-Hareeq, Hotat Bani Tamim, Al-Kharj, and the regions of Asir and the Eastern Province.