Saudi Arabia on Alert for Thunderstorms and Floods

Saudi Arabia has entered a state of alert after its national weather authority warned of thunderstorms expected to sweep across the country from Friday until Tuesday. The National Center of Meteorology cautioned that the storms could bring heavy rainfall, flash floods, and hail to multiple regions.

According to the warning, the combination of intense rain and hail poses a risk to infrastructure, vehicles, and agricultural areas in the affected regions. The civil defense authority has urged citizens and residents to exercise caution and follow official safety instructions throughout the alert period.

Flash floods, in particular, are a recurring concern during heavy storm periods in Saudi Arabia, as sudden downpours can overwhelm drainage systems in a short time. Authorities have not specified which exact provinces will be hit hardest, but the warning covers multiple regions of the kingdom.

Separately, a short but intense heat wave has been reported in the Eastern Province, expected to last around six hours. Such rapid shifts between extreme heat and stormy conditions reflect the volatile nature of the region's climate during this season.

Officials continue to monitor developing weather patterns and are expected to issue further updates as conditions change. The civil defense agency has reiterated its call for the public to remain alert, avoid non-essential travel during the storm window, and pay close attention to official communications.

The overlapping warnings — thunderstorms and floods on one hand, and a sudden heat wave on the other — illustrate the unpredictable weather challenges facing parts of Saudi Arabia this week. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to prepare for rapidly changing conditions and to heed any evacuation or safety guidance issued by local authorities.