Stay safe in the rain or face a fine, Riyadh residents told

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged Riyadh residents to exercise caution after the National Center of Meteorology forecast more downpours for much of the province.

Heavy rains are expected to hit not only the capital but also Rumah, Al-Muzahmiya, Al-Diriyah, Huraymila, Al-Hariq, Hotat Bani Tamim, Al-Kharj and Al-Aflaj, the NCM said in a warning issued on Monday.

The thunderstorms that started at the weekend, heralding the onset of winter in the capital, would continue through Tuesday, it said.

The civil defense asked people to take care in the bad weather.

“May God make it rain of goodness and blessings and spread it to benefit all parts of the country,” it said in a text message sent to Riyadh residents.

“Your cooperation and your safety is our goal.”

The authority also warned people against traveling through flooded valleys and other areas hit by the downpours, adding that they could face a fine for not adhering to the safety guidelines.

“Crossing valleys and canyons while they are flowing puts your life in danger and is a violation punishable by a fine of up to SR10,000 ($2,700),” it said.

The arrival of the rains in Riyadh has been accompanied by a drop in temperature, with the capital recording a low of 15 degrees Celsius and a high of 27 degrees on Monday.

After a long, hot summer, the cooler weather has been a blessing for some Riyadh residents.

“I am very much enjoying the weather, it is a welcome change,” said Mohammad Zeyad, an event organizer who lives in the capital.

Abdallah Ahmed, from Riyadh’s Malaz district, said: “I am enjoying the cool weather, the hot summer season is behind us now.”