Red alert in 4 regions
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its highest level of warning, a "red alert," on Wednesday due to forecasts of heavy rainfall across large parts of four major regions: Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. The forecast indicates that this weather system will be accompanied by severe weather phenomena, including strong winds, near-zero horizontal visibility, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and significant thunderstorm activity. The center urged citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and stay away from valleys and floodplains.
The climatic context of this phenomenon
These warnings come amidst a transitional climatic period affecting most regions of the Kingdom, known locally as the "Sarayat" or "Marawih" period, which typically extends throughout the spring. This period is characterized by sharp and rapid weather fluctuations resulting from the convergence of different air masses, leading to the formation of massive cumulonimbus clouds capable of producing significant amounts of rainfall in a short period. The mountainous terrain in the southern and western regions of the Kingdom, such as the Sarawat Mountains, plays a pivotal role in exacerbating this phenomenon, as it contributes to lifting and condensing moist air, thus increasing the intensity of rainfall and the strength of the accompanying storms.
Expected effects and the importance of the warning
The “red alert” carries paramount importance at the local level, signifying that the anticipated weather phenomenon is highly severe and likely to occur, necessitating an immediate response from all relevant authorities, primarily Civil Defense and security agencies, to ensure the safety of lives and property. This weather system is expected to affect traffic on main and secondary roads and may cause power outages in some affected areas. Regionally, these rains are a vital source for replenishing groundwater reservoirs and dams in water-scarce regions, but they also pose a threat to the agricultural sector due to the potential for hail and flash floods that could damage crops. Internationally, warnings in the Makkah region are of particular significance given the presence of the Two Holy Mosques and the continuous influx of pilgrims and visitors from around the world, requiring exceptional measures to guarantee their safety.
Details of areas affected by the red alert
- Makkah Region: The warning includes the governorates of Adham, Maysan, and Taif.
- Al-Baha region: The warning includes the governorates of Al-Aqiq, Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, and Bani Hassan.
- Asir region: The warning includes the governorates of Bisha, Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, and Khamis Mushait.
- Jazan region: The warning includes the governorates of Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
General weather forecast for other regions
In addition to the red alert, the National Center for Meteorology forecasts continued chances of moderate to heavy thunderstorms in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Najran. Active winds stirring up dust and sand will continue to affect parts of these regions, as well as Tabuk and Hail, reducing horizontal visibility.
