Several regions of Saudi Arabia on Monday, including Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah, experienced heavy rainfall, hail, and thunderstorms. The intense weather caused widespread flooding on roads and highways, leading to major traffic disruptions in these cities. The heavy rains were especially concentrated in the Makkah and Madinah regions, with Jeddah city experiencing significant rainfall.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture reported that areas in the Madinah region recorded the highest rainfall amounts. Al-Shafiyah in Badr governorate recorded 49.2 mm of rain, while Al-Basateen district in Jeddah saw 38 mm. The Central Haram Area in Madinah recorded 36.1 mm, with other areas in the region also experiencing significant rainfall.
Continued Rain and Weather Alerts
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued several weather alerts, warning of continued heavy rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the Kingdom. The alert level for Jeddah was reduced from red to orange, but the possibility of moderate rain, high winds, and strong thunderstorms remained. The NCM urged the public to stay informed and follow the warnings to ensure their safety.
The weather conditions are expected to continue until at least Tuesday morning, January 7. Regions including Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Jouf were predicted to experience ongoing rainfall. The NCM also warned of potential high waves and zero visibility in certain areas, urging people to exercise caution when traveling.
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Airport and Transport Disruptions
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah advised travelers to check with their airlines for flight schedule updates, as the heavy rains had the potential to cause flight delays. Travelers were urged to contact their respective carriers before heading to the airport to avoid disruptions.
In addition, the Jeddah Mayoralty worked to address the flooding caused by the rain. Teams were deployed across the city to remove water pools and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The mayoralty increased its readiness, with over 4,000 personnel and 1,800 pieces of equipment working across 11 municipalities to handle the impact of the storms. The mayoralty also issued warnings to residents to stay away from waterlogged areas and electrical sources.
Emergency Services on High Alert
In response to the severe weather, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has raised its readiness level. The authority’s Makkah region branch confirmed the full operational readiness of its ambulance stations, rapid response teams, and volunteer units. The SRCA urged the public to follow the instructions of authorities and take extra care on the roads, particularly during heavy rainfall.
The Red Crescent also emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures and avoiding unnecessary travel. In case of emergencies, the public was advised to contact the SRCA’s emergency response services through the unified number 940 or via the Baladi app.
As the severe weather continues, authorities across the Kingdom are working to manage the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall, ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing disruptions to daily life.
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