Saudi Arabia issues red and orange alerts as heavy thunderstorms threaten several regions

JEDDAH — Red and orange weather alerts remain in effect as moderate to heavy thunderstorms continue to sweep across several Saudi regions on Monday, bringing heavy rainfall and the risk of flash floods, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). A red alert for heavy rainfall has been issued in parts of Jazan Region from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., accompanied by strong winds, zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods and thunderstorms. Meanwhile orange alerts for moderate rainfall have also been issued in Asir Region from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Makkah Region from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The orange alerts warn of strong winds, near-zero visibility, hail, flash floods and thunderstorms, with high waves also expected in the affected area of Makkah Region. According to the NCM’s Monday forecast, moderate to heavy thunderstorms capable of causing flash floods, accompanied by hail and active winds stirring up dust and sand, are expected across parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Al-Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders. The dust-raising winds could also cause near-zero horizontal visibility in some affected areas. Light to moderate rainfall is also forecast over parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh Region, with fog possible over parts of the regions mentioned in the forecast. For temperatures, Makkah is expected to record the highest temperature at 38°C, followed by Dammam and Buraidah at 37°C, and Madinah and Jeddah at 36°C. Riyadh is forecast to reach 35°C, followed by Jazan at 34°C, Tabuk, Hail, Sakaka and Najran at 32°C, Arar at 31°C, Abha at 24°C and Al-Baha at 22°C. Humidity is expected to reach 90 percent in Dammam, Abha and Al-Baha, followed by 85 percent in Jazan and 80 percent in Makkah and Jeddah. Madinah and Arar are forecast to record 70 percent humidity, followed by 75 percent in Tabuk, Hail and Sakaka, 65 percent in Buraidah, 55 percent in Najran and 45 percent in Riyadh.