The Meteorology Department warns of heavy rain and strong winds in Al-Baha today
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent alert warning of heavy rainfall in Al-Baha , as part of its ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations across the Kingdom. These warnings are intended to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, as this unstable weather condition is expected to continue until 11:00 PM, necessitating the utmost caution from everyone.
The center explained in its official statement that the expected weather conditions will not be limited to rainfall, but will also be accompanied by strong and high-speed winds, which may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility. The report also warned of the possibility of flash floods in valleys and ravines, hail showers, and strong thunderstorms affecting Al-Baha city and several of its surrounding governorates. These warnings include the governorates of Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Aqiq, Al-Makhwah, Qalwah, Al-Hajrah, and Ghamid Al-Zanad, as well as the adjacent areas.
Climatic context and history of heavy rainfall in Al-Baha
The Al-Baha region, located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and diverse topography, making it prone to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, especially during seasonal transitions. Historically, Al-Baha has been one of the Kingdom's most rainy regions, with its high mountains playing a significant role in blocking moisture-laden winds from the Red Sea, causing them to condense and fall as heavy rain . This climatic pattern is not new to the region; rather, it is part of its natural cycle, contributing to the lush vegetation it is known for and replenishing the groundwater and dams upon which the region depends for agriculture and drinking water.
Expected effects of weather fluctuations at the local and regional levels
These climate changes are of great importance and have multifaceted impacts. Locally, the rainfall contributes to the revitalization of the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Baha economy, where the region is renowned for its pomegranate, grape, and almond cultivation. However, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods necessitate a mobilization of relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Transport, to ensure the safety of mountain roads and prevent rockslides that could disrupt traffic.
At the regional level, this rainfall is part of a broader context of climate changes affecting the Arabian Peninsula in recent years. An increase in the frequency of extreme weather events has been observed, prompting countries in the region to strengthen their infrastructure and develop early warning systems. In this regard, the National Center for Meteorology also indicated that other regions in the Kingdom, such as the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, Madinah, and Makkah, are affected by active winds stirring up dust and sand, which may lead to sandstorms and reduced visibility. This underscores the widespread nature of these weather fluctuations and their significant impact on air and land transportation in the Kingdom.
In conclusion, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urges everyone to adhere to its instructions and guidelines, and to stay away from valleys and flood channels during rainfall. It also advises following the continuous updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology through its official channels to ensure that everyone is informed of any developments in the weather situation, in order to protect lives and property.
