Weather forecast: Rain and strong winds expected in parts of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology issued its latest weather forecast, indicating continued significant weather fluctuations across several regions of Saudi Arabia. Warnings included moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and hail, urging citizens and residents, particularly in the southwestern and northwestern regions, to exercise caution.
The Kingdom's volatile climate: geographical and historical context
Saudi Arabia is characterized by its diverse geography, which directly influences its climate. Historically, the southwestern highlands, such as Al-Baha, Jazan, and Najran, are known for their seasonal rainfall and intense thunderstorms, particularly during the transitional periods between seasons. This weather activity is attributed to the mountainous terrain, which helps lift moist air masses originating from the Red Sea, leading to condensation and rainfall. In contrast, coastal and northern regions, such as Tabuk, experience significant surface wind activity, impacting navigation and horizontal visibility.
Details of the rainfall situation in the Al-Baha region
The center explained in its report that the Al-Baha region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall. This rainfall will be accompanied by strong winds, reduced horizontal visibility, flash floods, hail, and thunderstorms. This weather pattern includes the city of Al-Baha and the governorates of Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Aqiq, Al-Makhwah, Qalwah, Ghamid Al-Zanad, Al-Hajrah, and surrounding areas. This weather system is expected to continue, God willing, until 9:00 PM.
Strong winds hit the Tabuk region
Regarding the northwestern region, the center warned of strong winds in the Tabuk region, specifically in Al Wajh, Umluj, Duba, Al Bada, Haql, and Neom Sharma. The accompanying effects include winds reaching speeds of 50-59 km/h, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility and high waves along the coasts. This weather condition is expected to continue until 7:00 PM.
Heavy rains and flash floods expected in Jazan
The warnings also included the Jazan region, where moderate to heavy rain is expected, accompanied by strong winds, near-zero visibility, hail, and flash floods. This weather pattern is concentrated in the governorates of Al-Harath, Al-Dayer Bani Malik, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Haroub, Sabya, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah, Al-Tuwal, Samtah, Damad, and the Al-Fatihah center, and is expected to continue until 9:00 PM.
Najran weather and the impact of thunderstorms
In the Najran region, the center warned of moderate rain accompanied by strong winds and near-zero visibility, along with hail and flash floods. The warnings cover the city of Najran and the governorates of Badr Al-Janoub, Habuna, Khubash, Thar, and Yadma, and will remain in effect until 10:00 PM.
The importance of monitoring weather forecasts and their impact on society
Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts a vital role in preserving lives and property. Locally, these alerts help guide drivers to avoid slippery roads, wadis, and flash floods, thus reducing traffic accidents and strandings. These rains also have a significant positive impact on the agricultural sector in regions like Jazan and Al-Baha, replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting rain-fed agricultural terraces. Regionally, these rainfalls contribute to raising the water levels in dams, enhancing the Kingdom's water security and supporting sustainable development plans.
