Unprecedented heavy rainfall and hailstorms swept through parts of Saudi Arabia, blanketing the desert landscapes in white, officials reported on Saturday.
The severe weather impacted the northern regions of Tabuk and Hail, where ominous dark clouds filled the sky before intense downpours and hail transformed the arid terrain into a winter-like scene. The sudden shift in weather led to a significant drop in temperatures.
Read more: Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Syria
Saudi Arabia’s meteorological department has warned that unstable weather conditions will persist until Tuesday, with varying intensities of rainfall expected across different areas.
In the aftermath of the storm, residents noticed a sharp decline in temperatures, while authorities cautioned the public about slippery roads and reduced visibility in affected regions.
Earlier, the General Directorate of Civil Defense had issued a weather advisory, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall across large parts of the country until Friday.
According to Gulf News, the affected areas include Makkah, Riyadh, Medina, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, Northern Borders, Al Jouf, Al Baha, and Asir.
Civil Defense officials have urged citizens to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone zones, and refrain from swimming in valleys. Residents are advised to stay informed through official sources for the latest weather updates and safety instructions.
Due to the adverse conditions, the Makkah Education Department has suspended in-person classes across Makkah and the governorates of Al Jumum, Al Kamil, and Bahra. Students will attend lessons remotely via the Madrasati platform.
Similarly, Umm Al Qura University has announced a transition to online learning on Tuesday, following the National Center of Meteorology’s forecast. This applies to all university campuses, affiliated offices, and colleges within the Makkah region.
