Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia have had severe weather, with a large hail storm recorded in January 2025. This extraordinary weather event comes after the Kingdom has seen widespread flooding due to an unheard-of stretch of rains.
Riyadh is hit by a hailstorm
Residents of Riyadh witnessed a spectacular spectacle in January as ice pellets covered the city due to an unexpected thunderstorm. Videos showing the hail accumulation were widely shared on social media, surprising many people. Although the storm was more intense than anticipated, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) had earlier warned of severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and potential hail.
Days of intense rain had already saturated the ground and created severe flooding in several regions of the nation before the hailstorm hit. According to reports, the streets turned into rivers, submerging automobiles and severely damaging infrastructure. Emergency services were called in to help pilgrims and locals in Mecca and Medina, where the flooding was very bad.
The Effects of Extreme Weather
The difficulties that local officials were already facing as a result of the heavy rainfall were made worse by the hailstorm that hit Riyadh. Citizens were advised by the Civil Defense service to stay indoors and refrain from traveling unless it was absolutely essential. Because of the extreme weather, emergency services were ready to respond to any occurrences and were on high alert.
Videos that went viral online showed residents navigating through flooded streets while other neighborhoods lost electricity as a result of the storms. Concerns about additional floods and destruction were raised by the NCM's prediction that similar weather patterns would persist throughout the week.
Schools and businesses in the area were also impacted; several of them had to close their doors to maintain security. In order to help those in need and lessen the effects of the extreme weather, the government has been putting resources into place and managing the situation with diligence.
Government Reaction
Saudi officials have increased their preparation levels in response to the terrible weather that is still occurring. The Red Crescent Authority attested to the fact that its teams were completely functional and prepared to offer support when required. Local authorities have warned citizens to abide by safety regulations, particularly in locations that are vulnerable to flooding and hail accumulation.
The NCM keeps a close eye on the situation and provides weather forecasts and alerts. They have issued a number of yellow and red alerts in different areas as part of their operations, warning locals to remain aware as conditions may worsen.
Conclusion
The recent hailstorm that hit Riyadh serves as a clear reminder of how erratic Saudi Arabia's weather patterns can be. Local officials are concentrating on protecting public safety while dealing with the fallout from flooding and severe rains as the nation struggles with these harsh circumstances. Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow official instructions during this difficult period, as projections suggest that unfavorable weather conditions may continue.
