Saudi Arabia Braces for Widespread Thunderstorms and Flash Floods as NCM Issues Madinah Alert

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is bracing for moderate to heavy thunderstorms, flash flooding, hail, and strong winds across multiple regions this Saturday, as authorities urge residents and visitors to remain cautious amid ongoing unstable weather throughout much of the Kingdom.

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) reported that the latest weather system will likely produce moderate to heavy thunderstorms, possibly causing flash floods along with hail and gusty winds that kick up dust and sand, cutting horizontal visibility to nearly zero in certain locations.

The forecast includes areas of Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and the Northern Borders, along with northern sections of the Eastern Province. Comparable conditions are anticipated across parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha.

Light to moderate rainfall is expected in portions of Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and northern Riyadh, with fog also possible in some affected areas, according to a statement published on the center’s website.

The NCM advised the public to stay alert to shifting weather conditions and to follow official forecasts and safety guidance.

Heavy Rain Warning Issued for Madinah

In a separate advisory released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Saturday, the NCM forecast heavy rainfall across the Madinah region, accompanied by strong winds, hail, thunderstorms, flash flooding, and near-zero visibility.

Hazardous conditions were expected to start at 9 a.m. and persist until 7 p.m., leading the center to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and comply with safety directives from relevant authorities.

The warning follows preparations by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Madinah, which has deployed 70 ambulance teams and support vehicles in anticipation of expected weather changes.

In a Friday report carried by SPA, the authority said it had bolstered its emergency response capabilities, including readiness of its medical dispatch center, basic and advanced ambulance teams, rapid response units, and specialized emergency vehicles.

Volunteer ambulance teams in central Madinah and around the Prophet’s Mosque were also included in the preparations.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, Director General of the SRCA branch, stated that the measures are part of an integrated emergency response plan coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure medical services remain available 24/7.

He urged the public to avoid flood channels and water-accumulation areas and to refrain from crossing valleys during rainfall.

The authority accepts emergency medical service requests around the clock via its unified number, 997.

Rainfall Expected to Intensify Across Regions

The latest warnings follow an NCM forecast on Friday of a new rainy spell bringing varying intensities of precipitation to most parts of the Kingdom, including coastal areas of the Makkah region.

NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani said meteorological projections indicate the system will expand and intensify across much of the country on Monday and Tuesday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is also forecast for the governorates of Jeddah and Rabigh on Saturday.

Al-Qahtani said the center is operationally prepared to monitor the weather system and urged residents to follow official forecasts and alerts while strictly observing Civil Defense guidelines.

He specifically cautioned against approaching flood channels and active valley streams or attempting to cross them while water is flowing.

The latest forecasts follow a series of rainfall events across different parts of the Kingdom. The Al-Baha Region received light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with water flowing through valleys and streams in several governorates. Rafha in the Northern Borders region also experienced moderate rainfall with hail, while parts of the Madinah region recorded lighter precipitation.

November Ranks Among the Kingdom’s Wetter Months

The unsettled conditions coincide with the final quarter of the year, traditionally one of Saudi Arabia’s wetter periods, when seasonal systems can bring thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and localized flooding.

The NCM’s October–December 2026 climate outlook indicated that October rainfall was likely to exceed seasonal averages across most regions, including Asir, while temperatures were expected to remain above normal.

November typically brings increased precipitation to several parts of the Kingdom, particularly the southwestern highlands and western regions.

While rainfall replenishes water resources and benefits vegetation and agriculture, intense downpours can create hazardous runoff through valleys and low-lying areas, especially in normally dry watercourses.

Civil Defense has repeatedly warned residents and visitors against entering wadis during rainfall, swimming in flooded areas, or attempting to cross waterlogged roads, as rapidly rising water levels and powerful currents can pose serious risks.

Authorities have urged the public to monitor official weather updates and follow safety instructions as the latest spell of unsettled weather continues across the Kingdom.

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