Weather details in Mecca and Medina | Meteorological warnings
The National Center for Meteorology issued its detailed report on Friday, revealing the weather developments in Mecca and Medina in the coming hours. The center predicted, God willing, thunderstorms accompanied by active surface winds that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of the Mecca region. The report indicated that temperatures in the Holy City will vary, with a high of approximately 37 degrees Celsius and a low of 26 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity reaching 45%. The center urged all citizens and residents to follow its official channels for regular updates to stay informed of the latest developments.
Moderate to heavy rain in Medina
In a related development, the center issued advanced warnings regarding the weather forecast for the Madinah region. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected, affecting the city of Madinah, as well as the governorates of Khaybar, Al-Hanakiya, and Al-Mahd. This rainfall will be accompanied by strong winds that may reduce horizontal visibility to near zero, along with hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and the possibility of thunderstorms. The center confirmed that this weather pattern will begin on Friday and continue until Saturday, emphasizing the need for caution.
The volatile climate: A history of weather conditions in Mecca and Medina
Saudi Arabia is characterized by a dry desert climate in most of its regions, but the western highlands and the holy sites experience significant seasonal weather fluctuations. Historically, the weather in Mecca and Medina has been influenced by low-pressure systems originating from the Red Sea, which interact with moist air currents to form cumulonimbus clouds. During seasonal transitions, the frequency of these rainy events increases, a natural climatic phenomenon that contributes to replenishing groundwater and moderating the climate. Saudi climate records over the decades have documented similar events, where heavy rains and flash floods are considered part of the climatic cycle, requiring early preparation and infrastructure capable of handling large volumes of water. The relevant authorities are continuously working to ensure the safety of pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques.
Local and regional impacts of current weather fluctuations
These weather changes are of great importance and have multifaceted impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, heavy rains and strong winds directly affect transportation and traffic, necessitating the activation of emergency plans by civil defense and security authorities to manage traffic flow and prevent people from approaching flood channels. These conditions also have a positive impact on the agricultural sector in the areas surrounding Medina, such as date palm farms, which benefit from these rainfalls. Regionally and internationally, the stability of the weather in the two holy cities is of great interest to millions of Muslims worldwide, especially the pilgrims and visitors who flock there daily. Therefore, the Kingdom's government provides the highest safety standards and issues proactive warnings to ensure the smooth and easy performance of rituals, reflecting its high level of efficiency in managing natural disasters.
Safety guidelines for dealing with rain and floods
Given these forecasts, the General Directorate of Civil Defense reiterates its ongoing warnings to remain in safe locations during rainfall and to stay away from valleys, flood channels, and water accumulations. It is also advised to avoid using mobile phones in open areas during thunderstorms. Adhering to the instructions of the relevant authorities and staying updated on weather forecasts is essential for navigating this weather situation safely and protecting lives and property from any potential hazards.
