Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods forecast as Saudi temperatures reach 47°C.
Dubai: Saudi Arabia issued red weather alerts for heavy rain on Thursday, with thunderstorms, flash floods, hail and strong winds forecast across several regions. Temperatures were also expected to reach 47°C in parts of the Kingdom, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).
In its daily forecast, the NCM warned of moderate to heavy thunderstorms across parts of Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Mecca and Medina. The storms could trigger flash floods and are expected to be accompanied by hail and strong winds capable of stirring up dust and sand.
Red alerts for heavy rain were issued for Taif, Al Kamil, Adham and surrounding areas in the Mecca region, according to Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology.
An orange alert for moderate rain was issued for Al Ais, Al Mahd, Badr and surrounding areas in the Madinah region. Meanwhile, yellow alerts for light rain and blowing dust covered Rabigh, Jeddah, Al Khurmah and nearby areas in the Mecca region.
The NCM also warned that rain-bearing thunderstorms and active winds could develop over parts of the Northern Borders and Jazan, as well as southern areas of the Eastern Province and Riyadh region.
Fog may develop overnight and during the early morning along parts of Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. The National Centre for Meteorology has also issued an early warning for fog in the Eastern Province.
Despite the unsettled conditions, high temperatures will persist across much of the Kingdom. Medina is forecast to reach 47°C, while Dammam could see 46°C. Riyadh and Buraidah are expected to reach around 45°C.
