The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced forecasts of rainfall in seven major regions, based on analysis of the advanced Saudi numerical weather prediction model. The rain is expected to begin Wednesday evening and continue through Thursday, covering a wide area stretching from the southwest to the Eastern Province.

Details of the areas affected by the rainfall

According to a statement issued by the center via its official account on the “X” platform, the chances of rainfall will initially include parts of the Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, and Makkah regions. As the weather system develops, its effects are expected to extend later to include the Qassim region, in addition to the northern and western parts of the Riyadh region, reaching as far as the Eastern Province, indicating a widespread weather system affecting large parts of the country.

The climatic context and the importance of rainfall for the Kingdom

These forecasts come during a climatic transition period, as the Kingdom experiences frequent weather fluctuations. Rainfall is of paramount importance in Saudi Arabia due to its predominantly desert landscape. This rainfall directly contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves, supporting the agricultural sector, and improving vegetation cover, in addition to its role in moderating the climate and lowering temperatures. Monitoring and accurately forecasting these rainfall patterns is vital for effective water resource planning and management.

Expected effects and a call for caution

With rainfall expected, the likelihood of flash floods in valleys and ravines increases, particularly in mountainous areas and the southwestern highlands. Rain may also affect traffic in major cities due to water accumulation on some roads and reduced visibility. In this context, the National Center of Meteorology reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from floodplains and wadi beds, and follow the center's weather updates and reports regularly through its official channels to take necessary precautions and ensure everyone's safety.

In a pivotal step to bolster the healthcare sector in the Qassim region, His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Qassim, directed the strengthening of integration among all healthcare entities in the region. This came during his meeting with the region's health officials, where His Highness was briefed on the latest developments in health transformation programs, emphasizing their crucial importance in realizing the aspirations of the wise leadership and prioritizing human health.

Project Background: Health Transformation within the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This directive is an integral part of a broader strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, embodied in the “Health Sector Transformation Program,” a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The program aims to restructure the health sector into a comprehensive and integrated system focused on individual and community health, and to promote preventative measures against health risks. This transformation relies on establishing integrated health clusters throughout the Kingdom, each responsible for providing healthcare to the residents of its respective region, thus ensuring both quality and accessibility of services.

Al-Qassim Health Cluster: A pioneering model in transformation

The CEO of the Qassim Health Cluster, Dr. Musa Al-Harbi, explained that the cluster is making steady progress towards achieving its transformation goals. He announced the cluster's full readiness to transition to the "Health Holding Company" starting January 1, 2026, after being selected as part of the first phase nationwide. This selection reflects the significant progress the cluster has made in implementing modern governance standards and a value-based healthcare model, which focuses on achieving the best possible health outcomes for patients with maximum efficiency.

Expected impact on citizens and the sector

Strengthening integration among healthcare providers in Al-Qassim will have tangible positive impacts on citizens. Locally, this integration will streamline the patient journey across different levels of care, from primary healthcare centers to specialized hospitals, reducing waiting times and ensuring continuity of care. Nationally, the success of the Al-Qassim Health Cluster will serve as a model for other regions of the Kingdom, accelerating the pace of comprehensive healthcare transformation. Internationally, these reforms will contribute to raising the standards of the Saudi healthcare system to meet the highest global standards, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading healthcare destination.

Praise for "health heroes" and a smooth transition for staff

During the meeting, the Governor of Qassim praised the outstanding efforts of the "health heroes" and all sector employees, considering them the cornerstone of any successful development. In this context, Dr. Al-Harbi revealed that the employee transition to the new system was a resounding success, with a 99.7% completion rate. He emphasized that efforts during the past period focused on ensuring a safe and seamless transition for employees by implementing change management plans, providing dedicated offices to serve them, and establishing a 24/7 call center to answer their inquiries. This ensures the stability of the workforce and the continued provision of high-quality services.