The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a detailed report today, warning of an unstable weather condition affecting large parts of the Al-Jawf region, indicating expectations of moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by various weather phenomena that require caution.
Details of the rainfall situation in Al Qurayyat and Tabarjal
The center explained in its report that the weather system will begin to have a noticeable impact tomorrow, Friday, with moderate rainfall expected in the governorates of Al-Qurayyat and Tabuk. The system will not be limited to rain alone, but will also be accompanied by strong winds that may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility, in addition to hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and a high probability of thunderstorms. The center specified that this weather system will be in effect from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM on Friday.
Dust storms and reduced visibility in Sakaka and Dumat al-Jandal
In a related development, the meteorological department warned of different effects on the city of Sakaka and the governorate of Dumat al-Jandal, where these areas are experiencing active surface winds stirring up dust and sand. Forecasts indicate that this dust will reduce horizontal visibility to between 1 and 3 kilometers, posing a danger to motorists on highways and open roads. This weather condition is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM on Friday.
Geographical context and the importance of warnings
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the Al-Jawf region, which serves as the northern gateway to Saudi Arabia and encompasses a vital international road network connecting the Kingdom to its northern neighbors. The region is characterized by a desert climate marked by sharp fluctuations, especially during the transitional periods between seasons, when low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea interact with local air masses.
This weather pattern also has potential impacts on the agricultural sector, as Al-Jawf is known as the "breadbasket of the Kingdom" and is home to millions of olive and palm trees and major agricultural projects. Therefore, warnings about strong winds and hail are crucial for farmers to take the necessary measures to protect their crops and equipment.
Public safety guidelines
Based on this data, relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines during these weather fluctuations. It is always advisable to stay away from wadis and valleys during rainfall and to avoid low-lying areas where water may accumulate. Drivers on highways in Sakaka and Dumat al-Jandal are also advised to exercise extreme caution due to reduced visibility caused by dust and to maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid accidents.
