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Saudi Arabia’s NCM issues ‘yellow alert’; forecasts heavy rain, thunderstorm

The regions of Makkah, Asir, Jazan and Al-Baha are likely to be affected by medium to heavy rains that may lead to flooding

by Gulf Business

September 5, 2023

Image: Saudi Arabia General Directorate of Civil Defence

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence has urged caution over the prolonged spell of rain and thunderstorms forecast for most regions of the kingdom this week, as per Saudi Press Agency.

The country’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a “yellow” warning forecasting heavy rains and thunderstorms for most cities.

الإنذار الأصفر – #منطقة_مكة_المكرمة – #جدة

للتفاصيل https://t.co/pq2So3kHck #الإنذار_المبكر #طقس_السعودية #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد pic.twitter.com/vW9dmOYRlj

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (NCM) (@NCMKSA) September 4, 2023

Yellow alert due to inclement weather

Rain, thunderstorms and floods are forecast to hit Saudi Arabia’s Makkah region from Monday until Friday. Additionally, the regions of Asir, Jazan and Al-Baha are likely to be affected by medium to heavy rains that may lead to flooding, accompanied by hail and brisk winds that stir up dust, as per the NCM.

The regions of Taif, Al Jumum, Bahrah, Al Qunfudhah, Al-Lith, Al-Kamil, Khulais, Maysaan, Adham, and Al-Ardhiyat are expected to receive heavy rainfall.

Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by active downward winds that stir up dust, have been forecast in the Riyadh region, including Wadi ad-Dawasir, As Sulayyil, Al Quwaiiyah, Afif, and Al Aflaj, and Al Muwayh, Al Khurma, Ranyah, and Turbah as well as the Madinah and Najran regions.

The region’s Crisis and Disaster Management Centre has called on residents to take precautions and avoid places where water accumulates, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

#لسلامتك
أثناء هطول الأمطار ابتعد عن المناطق المنخفضة وتجمعات المياه وبطون الأودية.

#الوقاية_أمان pic.twitter.com/zUYMMnTRR2

— الدفاع المدني السعودي (@SaudiDCD) September 3, 2023

Authorities said temperatures are expected to gradually drop and could give rise to cases of viral infection, SPA reported. The Ministry of Hajj has hence said people should wear masks in crowded places as pilgrims visit the country for Umrah.

Also read: Revolutionising climate change solutions with Pangu-Weather, Huawei’s AI-powered initiative