Saudi Arabia's National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued urgent weather warnings, predicting widespread rainfall across the Kingdom during the upcoming mid-year school holidays. This forecast has prompted safety advisories for residents and travelers planning trips or outdoor activities.
Detailed Forecast and Alert Levels
According to the latest NCM update, phased rainfall ranging from light to heavy is expected to coincide with the holiday break. The affected regions include Najran, Riyadh, the Eastern Region, Al Jouf, Tabuk, Makkah, Asir, and Jazan.
The meteorology center has activated a two-tier warning system. Yellow alerts indicate light to moderate rain that could lead to slick roads and isolated flooding. More severe orange alerts have been issued for areas expecting moderate to heavy downpours, accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms, potential hail, and risks of flash flooding, especially in low-lying or elevated zones.
Regional Impact and Travel Disruptions
Specific forecasts warn of rainfall persisting through much of the day in the Tabuk and Madinah regions. Meanwhile, parts of the Eastern Province and the Makkah region may experience moderate rain and gusty conditions, reducing visibility on major highways and intercity roads.
This weather pattern arrives at a critical time when families across Saudi Arabia are traveling for the mid-year school break. The NCM has emphasized safety, advising the public to monitor official forecasts closely, avoid travel during heavy rain, and follow all civil defence directives.
The potential for disruption is already evident. In the Riyadh area, authorities recently shifted learning online due to adverse weather, highlighting the immediate impact of such conditions.
Broader Weather Patterns and Precautions
While Saudi Arabia experiences dynamic winter weather, recent times have seen higher-than-usual rainfall in western and northern parts, causing traffic disruptions and localized flooding.
Experts strongly recommend that citizens and travelers in affected areas—including Jeddah, Riyadh, other urban centers, northern regions, and highlands—stay updated via official NCM channels and civil defence alerts. This is particularly crucial during seasonal transitions when weather volatility increases.
In summary, Saudi Arabia is bracing for a period of unstable weather with moderate to heavy rain, winds, and poor visibility impacting most governorates during the holidays. Caution is urged, especially on highways and in flood-prone areas, with holiday plans needing flexibility based on the evolving weather situation.
