Heavy rains in Najran set a record in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia experienced varying levels of rainfall, with the Najran region recording the highest amount over the past 24 hours. According to the daily report issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the rainfall at the Hima monitoring station in the Thar district reached 27.4 mm, making it the area most affected by this wave of rain that swept across large parts of the country. This increase in rainfall in Najran part of a weather system affecting the southwest of the Kingdom, promising a bountiful season for the region.
Rainfall map in different regions of the Kingdom
The blessed rains were not limited to Najran alone. Hydrological and climatological stations belonging to the Ministry and the National Center for Meteorology recorded rainfall across 24 monitoring stations in the regions of Asir, Jazan, Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. In the Asir region, known for its mild summers, the Al-Shaaf station in Abha recorded 15.8 mm, followed by the Al-Shaaf Emirate Center station with 15.7 mm. In the Jazan region, the mountainous Faifa governorate recorded the highest rainfall with 14.4 mm, reflecting the heavy rainfall in the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom.
The importance of Najran's rains and their impact on life and agriculture
The rainfall in Najran is of particular importance due to the region's geographical and climatic characteristics. Located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom, Najran is a region with a long agricultural history heavily reliant on groundwater and rainwater. These seasonal rains, known locally as the "Wasam" period, contribute to replenishing groundwater reservoirs and filling dams, most notably the Wadi Najran Dam, one of the largest dams in Saudi Arabia. This dam plays a vital role in mitigating the dangers of flash floods and providing water for agriculture and urban use. Such rainfall promises a bountiful harvest for the region's renowned crops, such as dates, citrus fruits, and grains.
While rain is a blessing, heavy rainfall also necessitates heightened preparedness and readiness among relevant authorities. These rainy conditions are typically accompanied by warnings from the National Center for Meteorology and alerts from Civil Defense urging citizens and residents to exercise caution and stay away from valleys and floodplains. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, through its 939 call centers, monitors any reports related to the impact of rainfall on the environment and water resources to ensure a swift response to any emergency.
Varying quantities in other regions
Returning to the details of the report, other areas experienced varying amounts of rainfall. In Makkah, Al-Uwaylah in Ranyah recorded 1.2 mm and Kayad in Al-Qunfudhah 1.0 mm. Meanwhile, the Riyadh region recorded 0.5 mm in both Al-Sibani in Dhurma and Al-Badi' Al-Shamali in Al-Aflaj. In the Eastern Province, rainfall reached 0.5 mm at the Al-Batha border crossing in Al-Udayd, illustrating the wide range of the rainfall, although its greatest concentration was in the southern regions.
