26 May 2022 | 11:16 AM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least May 28 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Saudi Arabia through at least May 28. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Saudi Arabia through at least May 28. Thunderstorms are most likely to occur in far southwestern parts of the kingdom, with dust storms expected to continue to impact northern, central, eastern, and southern regions in the coming days. A series of severe dust storms have caused disruptions across Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East in recent weeks.
As of May 26, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected region:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of eastern and central Al Bahah, central Aseer, eastern Jazan, and southwestern Mecca provinces.
Yellow dust storm warnings: Parts of central and southern Al Jowf, Al Qassim, eastern Aseer, much of Eastern, Hail, central and eastern Mecca, eastern Medina, Najran, much of Northern Borders, Riyadh, and eastern and central Tabuk provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The thunderstorms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible hail storms. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and wadis (dry riverbeds). Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, flooding, and/or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the affected area. Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Dust storms could lead to traffic and commercial trucking delays along regional highways. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Reduced visibility might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.
Advice
Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
