Weather in Saudi Arabia: Rain in Medina and dust in Mecca
The National Center for Meteorology issued new weather alerts for Saudi Arabia today, reporting that the holy city of Mecca is experiencing strong surface winds stirring up dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility. Meanwhile, light rain fell on scattered parts of Medina, with forecasts predicting continued weather fluctuations and the expansion of thunderstorms across several regions of the Kingdom in the coming hours.
Details of weather fluctuations and their impact on visibility in Mecca
The National Center for Meteorology explained that active winds stirring up dust and sand in Mecca will cause near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging between 1 and 3 kilometers. The report indicated that this unstable weather condition is expected to continue until 7:00 PM. These warnings come at a time when the region is experiencing heavy traffic, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution on highways to avoid accidents caused by reduced visibility.
Beneficial rains wet the areas of Medina, with more expected
On the other hand, Madinah experienced cloudy but promising weather, with light rain falling today in scattered parts of the city. The sky remains overcast, increasing the chances of more rain in the coming hours. This wintry weather brings a sense of joy and comfort to the residents and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque, while the relevant authorities continue their efforts to facilitate the movement of worshippers and ensure efficient drainage of rainwater.
The geographical and climatic context of weather change in Saudi Arabia
Historically, western and northern Saudi Arabia have been characterized by seasonal weather fluctuations resulting from the interaction of different air masses. The mountainous terrain of Mecca and Medina plays a significant role in shaping winds and intensifying thunderstorms. This period of the year is a transitional phase that typically sees activity from Red Sea depressions, which draw moisture inland to meet cold air masses from the north, leading to atmospheric instability and varying intensities of rainfall accompanied by active surface winds.
Local and regional impacts of current weather phenomena
Monitoring the weather is not only important for daily life, but also directly impacts several vital sectors. Locally, these rains contribute to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting vegetation and natural pastures in desert areas. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom places great importance on the safety of pilgrims and visitors who flock to the Two Holy Mosques by the thousands daily. Government and service agencies mobilize their resources to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and provide immediate logistical support to address any emergencies resulting from floods or dust storms.
Map of expected rainfall and flash floods in the remaining areas
According to the daily report from the National Center for Meteorology, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue, leading to flash floods and accompanied by hail in parts of the Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail regions, as well as Makkah and Madinah. Active winds stirring up dust and sand are also expected in parts of the Al-Jawf and Tabuk regions. The formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, particularly in their eastern parts, is also possible. Therefore, it is essential to continuously monitor official warnings issued by the Civil Defense.
