Heavy thunderstorms, flash flood risk forecast across parts of Saudi Arabia through Tuesday

JEDDAH — Heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail and the risk of flash floods are forecast to persist across parts of Saudi Arabia from Friday through Tuesday, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). The heaviest rainfall is expected across parts of Jazan and Asir, where conditions are forecast to intensify on Friday and Saturday. In Jazan, heavy rain is forecast at varying times in Al-Rayth, Harub, Al-Dayer, Al-Eidabi, Fayfa, Al-Aridah, Al-Harth and Al-Tuwal from August 21 to 25. Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast over Farasan, Al-Darb, Baysh, Sabya, Damad, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarih and Samtah during the same period. In Asir, heavy rain is forecast at varying times from Friday to Tuesday in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Al-Harajah, Dhahran Al-Janub, Al-Farshah, Al-Namas, Tanomah, Rijal Alma, Bareq, Mahayil Asir, Al-Majardah and Balqarn, with rainfall expected to intensify on Friday and Saturday. Bisha, Tathleeth, Tarib, Al-Amwah and Al-Birk in Asir are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain during the period, reaching heavy levels on Friday and Saturday. In Al-Baha, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Qilwah, Bani Hasan, Al-Qura, Al-Mikhwah, Al-Hajrah, Ghamid Al-Zinad, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq and Al-Aqiq from Friday to Tuesday. **media[2753312]** In Makkah, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat from Friday to Tuesday, while Turbah, Al-Muwaih, Al-Khurmah, Ranyah, Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah are expected to receive light to moderate rain. Moderate rain is forecast in Najran, Sharurah, Badr Al-Janub, Hubuna, Yadamah and Thar during the same period. Light to moderate rain is also forecast over Al-Mahd and Wadi Al-Far’ in Madinah, as well as Al-Sulayyil and Wadi Al-Dawasir in the Riyadh Region, from Friday to Tuesday. In the Eastern Province, light to moderate rain is forecast over Al-Udayd, southern Al-Ahsa Governorate and the Empty Quarter at varying times on Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23. According to the NCM, heavy rainfall of 10–50 mm per hour or more may be accompanied by strong downdraft winds exceeding 60 km/h, dust, hail, flash floods, lightning and waterspouts. Moderate rainfall of 5–9 mm per hour may be accompanied by strong downdraft winds exceeding 60 km/h, dust, reduced horizontal visibility and possible flash floods, while light rainfall of 1–4 mm per hour may be accompanied by active downdraft winds of up to 50 km/h and dust. The NCM said current forecasts indicate that the increased rainfall could continue over some parts of the Kingdom until the end of next week, with further updates to be issued based on the latest developments.