Al-Baha rains: Meteorology warns of flash floods and strong winds in the region
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning to citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, cautioning against rainfall in Al-Baha , accompanied by strong winds and a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility. These weather warnings are part of the center's ongoing monitoring of the climatic fluctuations experienced in the southwestern mountainous regions of the Kingdom during this time of year.
Weather details and rainfall distribution in Al-Baha
The National Center for Meteorology explained that the Al-Baha region will experience heavy rainfall accompanied by strong downdrafts, heavy hail, thunderstorms, and flash floods in valleys and ravines. This weather pattern includes the city of Al-Baha and the governorates of Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Aqiq, and surrounding areas. These weather fluctuations are expected to continue, God willing, until 11:00 PM.
In a related context, the center also warned that the governorates of the Tihama sector, such as Al-Makhwah, Qalwah, Al-Hajrah, and Ghamid Al-Zanad, will be affected by moderate rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, near-zero horizontal visibility, flash floods, and thunderstorms, with the situation expected to continue in these governorates until 10:00 PM.
The geographical nature of the region and its impact on the climate
The Al-Baha region is characterized by its unique geography, situated on the high Sarawat Mountains, making it prone to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and heavy seasonal rainfall. Historically, the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom have been among the rainiest areas in the Arabian Peninsula, due to their elevation and exposure to moist winds from the Red Sea. This topographical diversity between the Sarawat Mountains and the Tihama coastal plain contributes to variations in the intensity of weather events and the rapid formation of flash floods that travel through narrow valleys.
Expected impacts and Civil Defense safety guidelines
The importance of these weather warnings extends beyond the climatic aspect, impacting public safety and the daily lives of residents. Locally, these conditions are affecting traffic on mountain roads and dangerous curves due to dense fog and rockfalls, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution. The General Directorate of Civil Defense also urged everyone to stay away from floodplains and valleys, and not to attempt to cross them under any circumstances, adhering to official instructions announced through the media to ensure the safety of lives and property.
