Makkah region is expected to be hit hardest Neighboring governorates, including Jeddah and Al-Lith, will experience lighter rainfall RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning about heavy rainfall in parts of Saudi Arabia, starting Sunday and continuing until Thursday. Residents are urged to avoid valleys and seasonal lakes. Makkah region is expected to be hit hardest, with heavy to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hailstorms and strong winds that may cause sandstorms in Makkah City and Taif. Neighboring governorates, including Jeddah and Al-Lith, will experience lighter rainfall. Riyadh region is forecast to receive moderate rainfall, while dusty conditions are anticipated in Al-Sulayyil and Wadi Al-Dawasir. Madinah, Baha, Asir and Jazan should expect moderate to heavy rain, while Hail, Najran and the Eastern Region can expect lighter precipitation. The Civil Defense emphasized the need to follow the safety guidelines disseminated through various media outlets and social media. Meanwhile, the official spokesman of the National Center of Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, said that with the start of the new school year on Monday, the center is increasing its readiness and coordination with the Ministry of Education to address weather conditions that may affect regions of the Kingdom and will provide all weather information around the clock. He also called for continued coordination with relevant authorities, mainly between the NCM and the Ministry of Education, to ensure that schools are prepared to handle any potential weather changes, including providing support and information to teachers and administrators to ensure the safety of students throughout the new school year.