Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom is in the grip of an unusual weather onslaught as heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and powerful winds continue to sweep across multiple regions, with meteorologists warning that the turbulent conditions will persist until Sunday. The Saudi National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued an advisory urging residents to remain vigilant amid forecasts of intensified storms.
Since Wednesday, the regions of Mecca, Medina, and the Eastern Province have reported significant downpours, with hail blanketing streets in some areas, turning roads into icy gauntlets. In Jeddah, winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h uprooted trees and disrupted power lines, leaving thousands temporarily without electricity. “It’s like winter decided to roar in all at once,” said local resident Faisal Al-Ghamdi, as he surveyed his hail-damaged car.
The NCM has attributed the erratic weather to a rare convergence of cold air masses and moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, creating a perfect storm over the peninsula. Flash flood warnings are in effect for low-lying areas, with authorities advising against unnecessary travel. In rural regions, farmers are scrambling to protect livestock and crops from the relentless elements, while urban centers brace for potential infrastructure strain.
Civil defense teams have been deployed nationwide, assisting with road closures and emergency evacuations in flood-prone zones. The Ministry of Interior has called for strict adherence to safety guidelines, emphasizing the risks posed by wadi crossings during heavy rains. Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with footage of lightning illuminating the desert sky and children gleefully playing in rare puddles—a stark contrast to the usual arid landscape.
As the Kingdom endures this atmospheric upheaval, the NCM predicts a gradual easing of conditions by Monday, though isolated showers may linger. Until then, Saudi Arabia remains under nature’s unpredictable command, a reminder of the raw power lurking beyond the dunes.
