Rain in Mecca and Jeddah: Meteorology warns of flash floods and strong winds today
The National Center for Meteorology issued an important weather alert today for the Makkah region, indicating that the area will be affected by unstable weather conditions, including light to moderate rainfall. These alerts are part of the center's ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details for the Makkah region
The center explained in its daily report that the weather conditions include a number of governorates and vital centers, most notably Jeddah, Khulais, Al-Kamil, Rabigh, Adham, and Bahra . These rains are expected to be accompanied by several weather phenomena, including:
- Dust-raising surface winds.
- Thunderstorms and hail.
- A significant decrease in horizontal visibility, which requires caution while driving.
- High waves on coastal areas, and flash floods in valleys and reefs.
The National Center for Meteorology has determined that this situation will continue - God willing - until 8 pm today, calling on everyone to be cautious and vigilant.
Rainfall conditions will affect large areas of the Kingdom
The weather fluctuations are not limited to the Makkah region; the meteorological report indicates that the conditions will extend to other areas in Saudi Arabia. Forecasts predict thunderstorms of varying intensity, ranging from moderate to heavy, which may lead to flash floods and be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand.
The areas affected by this weather system include: Medina, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders region, the Eastern Province, and the northern parts of the Riyadh region . This report reflects the widespread nature of the rainfall across large parts of central, northern, and western Saudi Arabia.
The importance of adhering to safety and civil defense instructions
In light of these volatile weather conditions, it is crucial to heed the warnings issued by the relevant authorities, especially the General Directorate of Civil Defense. It is always advisable during these situations to stay away from floodplains and valleys, and to avoid low-lying areas where water may suddenly accumulate. It is also essential to follow official weather forecasts and avoid going to sea in coastal areas experiencing high waves.
Geographical and climatic context
These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's climatic characteristics during transitional seasons and winter, as the Arabian Peninsula is affected by low-pressure systems originating from the north or by the activity of the Red Sea trough. Rainfall in the Makkah region is of particular importance due to its diverse geography, encompassing both coastlines and mountains. This makes flash floods a direct threat to roads and infrastructure, necessitating a high level of preparedness from service providers to address any emergencies.
