Heavy rains in Jazan and Asir: Meteorology issues red alert
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced red alert, warning of heavy rainfall in Jazan and Asir during the coming hours of Thursday. The center explained that this unstable weather condition will continue until 8:00 PM, urging citizens and residents in the affected areas to take precautions to avoid the risks associated with the severe weather fluctuations occurring in the southwestern highlands.
Details of the areas affected by the heavy rain wave in Jazan and Asir
The advanced warning map for the Jazan region includes several governorates and key centers, including Al-Harath, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub. In the Asir region, the red alert covers both Rijal Alma and Muhayil Asir. This weather system is accompanied by extremely dangerous effects, including very strong downdrafts, near-zero horizontal visibility, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and powerful thunderstorms that may affect communication and electricity networks.
The geographical and climatic nature of the southwestern regions
Historically, the southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia, specifically Jazan and Asir, are characterized by their towering mountains and semi-monsoon climate, making them prone to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms, particularly during the summer and autumn. Mountainous areas like the Sarawat Mountains play a key role in lifting moist air masses originating from the Red Sea, leading to rapid condensation and heavy rainfall over short periods. These unique geographical features make flash floods and overflowing wadis (valleys) a frequent occurrence, necessitating the continuous activation of early warning systems to protect lives and property.
Expected impacts, safety measures, and civil defense
Locally, these weather fluctuations are directly impacting transportation and daily activities in mountainous areas. Accordingly, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged everyone to stay away from valleys and flood channels, to avoid crossing them under any circumstances, and to adhere to instructions issued through official media outlets. Municipal and service agencies are also mobilizing their resources to manage rainwater runoff and ensure the safety of mountain roads from potential rockfalls that could result from heavy rainfall.
Temperatures and weather in the rest of the Kingdom
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology reported continued high temperatures in parts of the Eastern Province and Madinah, as well as the southern parts of Tabuk. Dust-raising winds will persist in parts of these areas, extending to the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf regions, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. The chance of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds remains high in parts of Al-Baha and Makkah, potentially extending to the southern highlands of Madinah.
