Saudi schools shift to online classes due to heavy rain warnings

Riyadh: Schools in several areas of Saudi Arabia have transitioned to online classes following warnings of heavy rain and potential floods anticipated this week.

The Ministry of Education has announced the suspension of in-person classes at all schools in Jeddah, Madinah, Rabigh and Khulais. Instead, lessons will be conducted through the Madrasati remote-learning platform to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Leading universities, including the University of Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz University and Umm Al Qura University, have postponed scheduled exams until further notice. Students have been advised to remain at home and await further instructions.

The General Directorate of Civil Defence has issued warnings of moderate to torrential thundershowers across most parts of the kingdom until Friday. Affected areas include Asir, Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Jazan, Qassim, Jawf, Hail, Tabuk, Northern Borders, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.

The National Centre for Meteorology has forecasted rainfall ranging from 10mm to 50mm throughout the week. Weather alerts have been issued for several areas, with spokesman Hussein Al Qahtani urging caution and advising against unnecessary travel due to expected poor visibility, hail and flash floods.

Similar stormy weather conditions are anticipated across the Arabian Peninsula, with Oman already experiencing heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail and flooding. Parts of the UAE are also bracing for heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

Earlier this month, Oman and the Emirates faced severe storms that resulted in casualties and widespread disruptions. Four waves of rainstorms struck the emirates of Dubai and Sharjah, causing flooding and disrupting daily life.