Heavy Rains, Hailstorms Hit Large Parts Of Saudi Arabia Bringing Inundation

(Photo : Getty Images/Amer HILABI )

Heavy rains resulted in massive floods in the Gulf State, specifically in Saudi Arabia.

Weather experts said that torrential rains and hailstorms had hit large areas in the Gulf State after a red rainfall warning was raised at the end of last week by the National Center for Meteorology.

High Rainfalls

They said that the areas considered to be most seriously affected were in the north, specifically the provinces of Hail and al-Qassim and the far north of Ash Sharqiyah.

Officials warned that high rainfall totals, hailstorms and lightning were expected to come with heavy showers that moved in from the west.

Experts mentioned that these parts of Saudi Arabia have received about 10 to 15mm of rainfall in December, with this falling across three to six days of the month.

On the other hand, some meteorological models were suggesting rainfall totals of 20 to 50mm in places by the time the warning ended during the early hours of Saturday night.

So far, there have been reports of flooding and large quantities of hail that are covering the streets in the city of Buraydah, al-Qassim.

While it has been challenging for officials to learn the exact measurements of rain and floods, they said there has been video footage of cars either driving through flood waters or becoming stranded in large quantities of hail once the flood water receded.

Recently, residents in the city of Buraidah in Saudi Arabia woke to an unusual spectacle last Thursday after a wave of hail showers transformed the arid cityscape into a winter wonderland.

This phenomenon has been considered as seldom seen in this part of the world.

Weather experts said that the hailstorm had left the city blanketed in white, turning streets, vehicles, and buildings into a surreal tableau with ice.

Extreme Weather In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been known to experience a hot and dry climate, with experts saying that it is no stranger to extreme weather conditions.

Meteorologists noted that the recent shower of hail in Buraidah was an anomaly that left locals and visitors alike in surprise.

The hailstones further swiftly covered the city, making it a stark, white allure.

Officials said that the spectacle was a stark contrast to the usual sunbaked landscapes, offering a unique visual treat for the city's inhabitants.

Amid the hailstorms, local authorities were forced to raise high alert to ensure the welfare of residents.

The primary focus was to manage any disruptions the hailstorm may cause, particularly regarding traffic and public safety.

The city's quick response ensured that life continued with minimal interruption, even in the middle of the icy spectacle.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the temperatures across the large swathes of the country will continue to remain at least 5 degree Celsius above the average through this week.

When it comes to other areas, there will be an extreme difference in temperature from the seasonal norm, notably for some parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

In these areas, weather experts said that the daytime maximums could be 20 degree Celsius higher than the average.

Furthermore, the temperatures in west Vancouver then smashed the previous temperature record by 2.5 degree Celsius on December 29 as temperatures reached 14 degree Celsius.

Meanwhile, by December 31, at least 22 records were tied or broken.