RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is currently grappling with unusually heavy rainfall, flooding and an incoming cold wave that have disrupted normal life across wide parts of the Kingdom, according to Arab and regional media sources.
Widespread Heavy Rain and Flood Risk
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued repeated warnings for moderate to heavy thunderstorms across many Saudi regions, including Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and parts of the Eastern Province. The storms are expected to bring intense showers, hail, strong winds and flash floods, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Civil Defence authorities have urged residents and travellers to avoid valleys, waterways and other high-risk zones at least through mid-December as rain continues to fall. Some desert areas have even seen temporary lakes form after days of rain — a rare occurrence in the typically arid terrain.
Severe Weather Disruption and Safety Measures
Heavy rainfall has caused disruption to daily routines and public services. Universities such as King Khalid and Al-Baha have suspended in-person classes and moved to online learning due to the severe weather conditions and safety concerns for students and staff.
Authorities are advising motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution, and to follow official weather updates and Civil Defence advisories due to the elevated risk of flash floods and hazardous conditions on roads.
First Cold Wave of the Season
Meteorologists warn that Saudi Arabia is on the brink of its first cold wave of the 2025–26 winter season, with temperatures expected to plummet sharply following the rain. In some northern regions, temperatures could approach or even dip close to the freezing point, an unusual event for many parts of the Kingdom.
The National Center for Meteorology has highlighted that this cold front may cause further temperature drops and winter-like conditions as the storm activity continues.
Unusual Weather Patterns Strain Infrastructure
While widespread flooding in Saudi Arabia is uncommon, the current weather pattern — combining heavy rains with strong winds and a cold air mass — has strained infrastructure and raised concerns among residents and officials alike.
This severe weather comes amid broader seasonal shifts in the region’s climate, with meteorologists warning of more extreme weather fluctuations than in past years.
