Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology issued multiple weather warnings on Sunday, October 18, 2026, alerting residents and travelers to heavy rainfall and potentially hazardous conditions in several parts of the Kingdom.

The center’s official early warning platform displayed red alerts for areas within the Makkah, Al Baha, Asir and Jazan regions.

Additional orange and yellow warnings were also issued for other locations, reflecting different expected levels of weather severity.

The red alerts highlighted the possibility of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, severely reduced horizontal visibility, hail, flash flooding and thunderstorms.

In the Makkah region, Taif was among the locations covered by a red warning, along with other governorates and districts.

The official Taif alert identified an affected period running from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18.

Parts of Al Baha were also included in the red warning category, with heavy rainfall among the principal hazards identified.

In Asir, warnings covered areas including Rijal Almaa and Mahayil, where severe rainfall and associated weather conditions were expected.

The official warning for these two governorates also specified a period from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Jazan was another region affected by red alerts, with locations around Ahad Al Masarih, Abu Arish, Al Harth and Al Dayer among those appearing in the warning system.

The level of risk is not necessarily identical across every location in a region, making it important to consult the relevant local warning.

Flash flooding is a particular concern in valleys, low-lying areas and places where rainwater can accumulate rapidly.

Drivers should exercise caution, avoid crossing flooded roads and refrain from entering valleys or watercourses during heavy rainfall.

Residents and visitors should also monitor official updates before undertaking journeys through mountainous areas or exposed roads.

The warnings do not automatically mean that schools, airports or roads have been closed. Any such operational decisions require separate announcements from the responsible authorities.

The National Center for Meteorology continues to provide updated warning levels, affected locations and validity periods through its official channels.

Source: Saudi National Center for Meteorology