The Meteorology Department warns of heavy thunderstorms in 3 regions of Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report today warning of severe weather fluctuations, forecasting heavy thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and dust storms in three major regions of Saudi Arabia. These warnings come as part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, and include the regions of Makkah, Hail, and Al-Baha, with varying impacts expected, including flash floods and reduced horizontal visibility.
Weather details in Mecca
The meteorological report indicated that the Makkah region will experience thunderstorms in its eastern parts, accompanied by active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially affecting transportation. Regarding temperatures, Makkah recorded a high of 37 degrees Celsius, while the low dropped to 28 degrees Celsius, with a noticeable increase in humidity estimated at around 70%. The center urged everyone to follow its official channels for regular updates on the weather and to avoid areas at risk.
Warnings of heavy thunderstorms and flash floods in Hail and Al-Baha
The National Center for Meteorology also warned of heavy thunderstorms in the Hail region, accompanied by strong winds, hail, and lightning. This weather condition will lead to flash floods in valleys and open areas, as well as reduced visibility on highways, necessitating extreme caution. The center indicated that this weather pattern is expected to continue, God willing, until 11:00 PM.
In the same context, warnings were issued for the Al-Baha region, where moderate to heavy rainfall is expected, accompanied by strong winds and near-zero visibility. These warnings cover the city of Al-Baha and the governorates of Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Aqiq, and surrounding areas, with a high probability of flash floods and hail.
Climate context and national efforts to address weather fluctuations
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant geographical and climatic diversity, making it susceptible to seasonal weather fluctuations that vary from region to region. Historically, the transitional periods between seasons have witnessed notable activity in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, leading to rainfall of varying intensity, particularly in the southwestern highlands and the western and northern regions. The National Center of Meteorology, established as the official body for weather and climate monitoring, utilizes the latest radar and satellite technologies to monitor these changes with high accuracy. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and protect lives and property from natural disasters.
Expected effects of weather conditions on vital sectors
These weather changes have tangible impacts on several local and regional levels. Locally, the rainfall contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on rainwater in some areas. However, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods necessitate mobilization by civil defense teams and municipal authorities to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the drainage of rainwater to prevent any damage to infrastructure. Regionally, the accuracy of Saudi weather forecasts and their sharing with regional centers strengthens the early warning system in the Arabian Peninsula, contributing to increased preparedness for dealing with any extreme weather events that may affect air traffic and land navigation in the region.
