Meteorology issues warnings over flash floods, extreme heatwave

Last updated Jul 18, 2026 4:48 PM

SANAA, July 18 (YPA) – Yemen’s National Center of Meteorology and Early Warning on Saturday issued urgent public warnings over the risk of sudden flash floods, urging residents to stay away from valleys, ravines, and flood channels and to avoid attempting to cross them during or after rainfall.

In its latest weather bulletin, the center also warned of thunderstorms, hail, strong downdraft winds, rockfalls, and landslides on mountainous roads.

The center further cautioned of rough seas and high waves along the southern and eastern coasts, as well as around the Socotra Archipelago.

Residents in desert areas, inland plateaus, and coastal plains were warned of hot to extremely hot conditions. The center advised people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids and to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during midday hours.

Weather Forecast for the Next 24 Hours

Mountainous Highlands:

Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected to become partly to mostly cloudy during the day, with thunderstorms and rainfall of varying intensity forecast across parts of Taiz, Dhalea, Ibb, Dhamar, Rayma, Sanaa, Mahweet, Amran, Hajjah, and Saada. Hail may accompany the heavier storms.

Scattered thundershowers are also expected over the highlands of Lahj, Abyan, Al-Bayda, Shabwah, Hadramout, and Mahra during the afternoon and evening. Fog or mist may form overnight and during the early morning over mountain slopes and inland plateaus.

Coastal Areas:

Partly cloudy, hot, and humid conditions are expected, with a chance of scattered rainfall over parts of the Tihama Plain, the eastern coastline, and adjacent inland areas. Winds will be moderate to strong around the Socotra Archipelago and the Gulf of Aden, reaching speeds of 25–55 knots.

Desert Regions:

Skies will be clear to partly cloudy, with hot to extremely hot daytime temperatures ranging between 40°C and 45°C. Scattered showers are possible in parts of the deserts of Mahra, Hadramout, Shabwa, Jawf, and Marib. Occasionally strong winds may generate dust and sandstorms.