RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution amid forecasts of thunderstorms continuing hitting most regions of Saudi Arabia through next Friday. The directorate called on the people to remain in safe locations, avoid areas vulnerable to flash floods and valleys, refrain from swimming in such areas, and strictly adhere to instructions issued through various media outlets and social media platforms. In its forecast, the National Meteorology Center (NMC) said that the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and dust storms. The affected areas include the holy city of Makkah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in Allith and Qunfudhah. The center also noted that the regions of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Madinah will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and dust storms. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and Northern Borders regions.