Eid Alert Issued for Drivers and Picnickers Amid Weather Fluctuations in Saudi Arabia
As Saudi Arabia prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, authorities have issued warnings to drivers using highways and picnickers on beaches due to anticipated weather fluctuations throughout the week. Hussain Al Qahtani, spokesman for the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), has advised the public to stay informed about weather reports, particularly during the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
Warnings of Strong Winds, Hail Showers, and Low Visibility
The kingdom is expected to experience a range of weather conditions, including strong winds, hail showers, and low visibility. Users of highways and picnickers in coastal areas and on heights have been urged to remain vigilant. The Saudi Civil Defence Directorate has also warned that a new wave of rain is likely to affect most parts of the kingdom until Thursday, calling for caution and vigilance.
According to the directorate, Mecca and its surrounding areas are set to be impacted by medium-to-torrential rains, potentially leading to flooding, hail showers, and dust-laden winds. Other regions, such as Najran, Jizan, Al Baha, Medina, the Northern Borders, the Eastern Province, Tabuk, and Al Qasim, are also expected to experience rainy weather.
NCM reports have projected medium-to-heavy rainfall in Riyadh and adjacent areas. The downward wind activity is expected to be concentrated in parts of the center and east of the Kingdom on Tuesday.
Safety Measures Emphasized During Eid Travel
With the three-day Eid festival approaching, during which travel rates typically peak, the General Authority for Roads has emphasized the importance of various safety measures. These include fastening seat belts, observing speed limits, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and ensuring that the car is equipped with all necessary safety tools.
Motorists are also advised to get sufficient sleep before driving and to avoid driving in rainy conditions. The authority notes that traffic accidents tend to increase by approximately 15% during holidays compared to the rest of the year.
As of the latest weather reports, some areas, particularly the Riyadh region and its surroundings, are currently experiencing cumulonimbus clouds accompanied by rains of varying intensity. Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor weather updates regularly and plan their travel accordingly.
Unstable Weather Conditions to Continue
Weather fluctuations are expected to continue on Monday, with rainfall resuming at intervals in several parts of the Kingdom, including the Riyadh region, the northern and central eastern region, and Hafar Al-Batin. These clouds are likely to be accompanied by rainfall of varying intensity, thunderstorms, and falling sedges.
Rain chances are set to continue on Tuesday, the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, and are expected to extend to the capital, Riyadh. Cumulus clouds are likely to form and expand, covering parts of the southwestern and western highlands of the Kingdom on Tuesday and Wednesday, gradually extending to various parts of the Riyadh administrative region, including the capital.
The public is advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to take necessary precautions when venturing outdoors or planning trips during the Eid holiday. Those living in or traveling to areas prone to flooding or heavy rain should exercise extra caution and follow the instructions provided by local authorities.
Exercising Caution During Eid Celebrations
