The Arabian Gulf region is experiencing a widespread spell of severe weather, with the threat level varying significantly across nations. While all countries face heavy rain and strong winds, the explicit flash flood warning is centered on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia: High Alert f
The Arabian Gulf region is experiencing a widespread spell of severe weather, with the threat level varying significantly across nations. While all countries face heavy rain and strong winds, the explicit flash flood warning is centered on Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia: High Alert for Flash Floods
The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a severe alert, confirming the continuation of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with a high and explicit risk of flash floods. Moderate to heavy storms, capable of triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and strong winds, are specifically expected over parts of Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders. The NCM uses its highest alert levels (Red and Orange) to warn residents to avoid valleys and low-lying areas, highlighting the severe danger of sudden water surges. Additionally, light to moderate rain is possible in Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, and the southwestern highlands, where patches of fog may also reduce visibility.
Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain Face Severe Weather Disruptions
While not under the same explicit, widespread flash flood warning as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain are all under severe weather alerts, posing a significant risk of localized flooding and travel chaos.
Kuwait is contending with instability marked by heavy fog, recurring rain, and thunderstorms, which have severely reduced visibility. This has prompted Kuwait Airways to announce the possibility of temporary flight diversions and rescheduling at Kuwait International Airport (KWI). The Kuwait Fire Force has urged drivers to avoid flooded roads and exercise caution.
The UAE's NCM has confirmed an extended "wintry weather" period, forecasting scattered showers and a risk of heavy rain escalating over Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates through the start of next week, which will bring temperatures down to the mid-20s.
Bahrain is under a warning for cloudy weather with a chance of scattered thundery rain, particularly over northern sea areas. Strong gusts up to 46 km/h and offshore sea states rising to 6 feet are also predicted.
Critical Marine Warnings
The unstable weather pattern has severely impacted marine conditions, making sea travel highly hazardous. The NCM warns that winds over the Red Sea will reach speeds up to 50 km/h while winds in the Arabian Gulf could strengthen to over 60 km/h, causing rough seas and wave heights rising above 2.5 metres, especially in the northern Gulf.
