Saudi Arabia Issues Severe Rainfall and Flash-Flood Warning From Friday to Tuesday
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 13, 2025
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) in Saudi Arabia has issued a multi-day weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and potential flash-floods across large parts of the Kingdom starting from Friday through Tuesday. Gulf News+1
Regions under alert
The weather system is expected to impact a wide range of regions, including but not limited to:
- Makkah (Mecca) and its surrounding governorates, including southern Makkah. The Siasat Daily+1
- Jeddah and the Red Sea coastal belt. Gulf News+1
- Madinah region. Gulf News+1
- Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders region. Gulf News
- The central and eastern interior: Hail, Al Qassim, Riyadh region, the Eastern Province. Gulf News
Heavy rain has already affected parts of the Mecca region on Wednesday, 12 November, especially the southern districts, where flooding of roads and traffic disruptions were reported. The Siasat Daily The NCM had flagged the region earlier with a red alert, underlining the seriousness of the weather system. The Siasat Daily
Why this matters & what to monitor
Given that many of the menu of regions are heavily populated and include major highways and pilgrimage corridors, the forecast poses significant risks in terms of transport disruption, flood-damage, and safety hazards. The fact that conditions are projected to persist for several days (Friday to Tuesday) means cumulative rainfall and saturation of drainage systems could amplify impacts.
Analysts note that in previous events, even moderate rainfall in short-order has triggered isolated flash floods in Saudi Arabia’s mountainous west and valley zones. The multi-region, multi-day forecast makes it important for individuals, local authorities and businesses (especially in logistics/transport) to prepare accordingly.
What to watch in coming days
Updated forecast bulletins from NCM that may specify rainfall totals by region, shift in timings, or upgraded alerts (e.g., red/orange warnings).
Actual onset: whether the rainfall begins as forecast on Friday or earlier, and how the spatial pattern evolves (coastal vs inland).
Reports of road closures, interruptions to rail/airport services, especially in the western corridor (Mecca–Jeddah–Taif) or east coast.
Response from local municipal authorities: evacuation of vulnerable zones, activation of flood-control infrastructure, deployment of civil-defence teams.
Any advisories from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority or other emergency services regarding casualties or rescues.
Bottom line
With the Kingdom bracing for several days of unstable weather, including heavy rain, hail and flash-flood risk across a wide area, both residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and heed official warnings. Avoiding exposure in hazardous zones, being cautious on the roads and keeping informed via official sources can help reduce risks during this weather episode.
