After snow, Saudi Arabia's weather takes another turn: Desert land hit by thunderstorms, floods, with temperatures at 9 degrees

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in several Saudi Arabian cities on January 8, 2024, including Mecca, Jeddah, al-Baha, and the Asir province. Mecca experienced the most severe flooding. Videos and images shared on social media showed cars submerged in floodwaters and people helping children through the high waters. No casualties have been reported so far, but local authorities are struggling to manage the crisis in regions unaccustomed to such weather events.

Flooding follows Snow in November

The floods come just two months after Saudi Arabia experienced an unprecedented snowfall in its northern Al-Jawf region, transforming the desert landscape into a winter scene. The snowfall, accompanied by heavy rain and hail, was the first recorded in the region’s history and a stark departure from its typical dry climate.



Saudi Arabia’s unusual weather this season is part of a broader trend affecting the Middle East. Neighboring countries like the UAE have also reported thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rainfall due to low-pressure systems from the Arabian Sea. These conditions underscore the urgent need for climate adaptation measures across the region.

Floods are uncommon in these typically dry areas, and the existing infrastructure is struggling to cope. The sewage systems in these cities have been criticized in the past, especially given Saudi Arabia's oil wealth. The region's lack of preparedness for such heavy rainfall has exacerbated the problem.

Saudi Arabia Weather Alert

Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Centre has issued red alerts for regions near the Red Sea coast and implemented precautionary measures. Public spaces have been closed, and schools in Eastern Province and Riyadh have transitioned to online learning. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has also increased its operational readiness to address potential health risks arising from the floods.

These floods occurred roughly four months after similar flooding in the Sahara Desert. Similar unusual weather patterns, with heavy rain in typically dry regions, were also observed in Rajasthan, India, in August 2024. The calamities like these underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and improving infrastructure resilience in regions vulnerable to such anomalies.