Prepare to stay in and sip hot chocolate in the capital city because the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued weather warnings with Riyadh severe weather to be expected ahead.
Earlier this week, NCM had put Jeddah and other regions on high alert for turbulent weather in Saudi which was followed by heavy rainfall and flash floods across the Red Sea city.
Now it is being predicted that the pattern will continue with moderate to heavy thunderstorms, flash floods, hail, and strong winds blowing through Riyadh and other cities.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense is reminding everyone to stay safe during heavy rains.
Riyadh severe weather
Winter in Saudi Arabia is a welcome break from the summer heat, rolling in from October to March with cooler weather, rain, hail, and even the occasional snowfall. It is the season everyone looks forward to, bringing fresh air, dramatic skies, and a whole new side of the Kingdom to enjoy.
What to expect from Riyadh severe weather
According to the Saudi Gazette and Gulf News, thunderstorms are on the way to parts of Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders.
Lighter rain is likely in Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, and the southwestern highlands, with some areas seeing patches of fog. The NCM also notes shifting Red Sea winds reaching up to 50 km/h, creating choppy conditions and stormy weather near the Bab Al Mandeb Strait.
Over the Arabian Gulf, southeasterly to southerly winds will pick up from a gentle 10 to 35 km/h to more than 60 km/h, pushing waves from around half a metre to over two and a half metres in some spots. Conditions will shift between calm and choppy, with the northern Gulf most likely to see rough seas, thunderstorms and rain.
Riyadh severe weather safety precautions
Stay in safe areas, skip the valleys and low spots that can flood, and avoid swimming in rivers or fast-moving water. Keep following official media and government updates so you know what is happening and what precautions to take.
Things to do in Saudi winter
December is packed with action, from the return of Winter at Tantora to the Red Sea International Film Festival lighting up Jeddah. Riyadh Music Week is back for its second round if you are ready to crank up the volume. For those who love shopping with a purpose, the DQ Winter Souq has returned and is joined by the first ever Attaché winter market, perfect for discovering local gems while enjoying the festive buzz.
Across Saudi.
