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‘Unstable weather system’ brings heavy rain to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain

Several parts of Saudi Arabia witnessed heavy rains and hail showers this week, prompting warnings from meteorology and civil defense authorities

by Marisha Singh

April 18, 2024

Image credit: SPA

Torrential rains and flash floods hit various parts of the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain hit by heavy rainfall

While the UAE and Oman bore the brunt of the “unstable weather condition” which brought record rainfall, similar conditions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, and certain areas of Saudi Arabia as well.

Read: Highest rain levels recorded in UAE since records began in 1949

The heavy downpours left streets inundated and vehicles abandoned.

Several parts of Saudi Arabia witnessed heavy rains and hail showers this week, prompting warnings from meteorology and civil defence authorities.

🔴 بمشيئة الله، تقلبات جوية على معظم مناطق #المملكة من #الأحد وحتى #الأربعاء المقبل.. وللتفاصيل ⬇️ https://t.co/Z392xLqBZx @SaudiDCD #نحيطكم_بأجوائكم pic.twitter.com/PilO2WXGui

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (NCM) (@NCMKSA) April 12, 2024

The Eastern Province bore the brunt of the downpours, leading to the suspension of classes and the shutdown of vital tunnels as precautionary measures.

Hussain Al Qahtani, spokesman for the Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), reported rainfall exceeding 42mm in one hour in the town of Munifah.

He cautioned the public to exercise caution and stay updated on NCM reports due to anticipated weather fluctuations in the coming days.

Despite the heavy rainfall, the NCM forecasted a gradual rise in temperatures in early May, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 48 degrees Celsius.

Weather alerts across Saudi Arabia

The NCM issued weather alerts for several areas across Saudi Arabia, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Najran, Jizan, Asir, and Tabuk. Strong winds, dust-laden winds, and poor visibility were anticipated in these regions.

الإنذار الأصفر – #منطقة_الجوف – #القريات #طبرجل

للتفاصيل https://t.co/tsYcFQJkio #الإنذار_المبكر #طقس_السعودية #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد pic.twitter.com/7BMO1g71Cw

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (NCM) (@NCMKSA) April 17, 2024

In addition, parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha were expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds, with waves ranging from half a meter to two and a half meters in the Red Sea.

Bahrain announces compensation and infrastructure upgrades

In Bahrain, compensation will be offered to those affected by floods following heavy rainfall, with plans for infrastructure upgrades in the kingdom.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa directed ministries to assess damages, compensate affected individuals, and develop sustainable infrastructure solutions.

The Education Ministry in Bahrain announced the continuation of class suspensions in educational institutions due to heavy rainfall.

The decision aims to ensure the readiness of facilities to receive students and inspect safety and security measures.

Read: No cloud seeding conducted during latest UAE storm: NCM