NCM issues red alert amid forecast of thunderstorms and flash floods in several Saudi regions

2026-03-24 - 14:50

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued a red alert amid forecast of heavy rainfall, accompanied by severe weather conditions, across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The NCM stated that the alert covers the regions of Jazan, Riyadh, Hail, Makkah, Qassim, Asir, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders. It indicated that the effects of this weather system include high-speed winds, reduced horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. The NCM had previously predicted a continued chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and active winds stirring up dust and sand in parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. The center explained that the weather conditions also cover parts of the Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and Northern Borders regions, with a chance of fog forming in parts of those regions, while light snowfall is not ruled out in parts of the Tabuk region's highlands including Al-Lawz, Al-Aqan, Al-Dahr. In a related development, the General Directorate of Civil Defense underlined the need to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, stay away from trees and metal structures, seek shelter indoors or in vehicles, exercise caution when traveling or outdoors, and follow all warnings and instructions. The directorate, in cooperation with relevant authorities, continues to implement its weather awareness program to promote a culture of prevention and enhance community preparedness for weather fluctuations. The directorate urged the public to adhere to safety instructions shared through official and social media channels, and to call 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 998 in the rest of the Kingdom, in case of emergencies. Fog blankets Turaif governorate Visibility in Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region was significantly reduced on Tuesday due to widespread fog, accompanied by a drop in temperatures to 8°C. The National Center for Meteorology had forecast light rain in Turaif, along with reduced visibility.