Warnings from the National Center of Meteorology today, Friday
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued important and advanced weather alerts on Friday regarding significant weather fluctuations, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds across large parts of the southern and southwestern regions of the Kingdom. These alerts are part of the Center's ongoing monitoring of weather conditions, aimed at protecting lives and property and raising public awareness about dealing with emergency weather situations. The Center indicated that this unstable weather pattern is expected to continue, God willing, until 7:00 PM this evening.
Weather details for the Al-Baha region and its governorates
Regarding the Al-Baha region, the meteorological report indicated that the area will experience moderate rainfall, which may become heavy in some parts. These warnings include the city of Al-Baha, as well as the governorates of Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Aqiq, and surrounding areas. This rainfall will be accompanied by strong winds, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, requiring extreme caution from drivers on highways and rural roads.
Geographically and historically, the Al-Baha region is characterized by its sloping mountainous terrain and rugged landscape, making it prone to rapid and sudden flash floods in valleys and ravines during rainfall. The center also warned of the possibility of hail and thunderstorms, common weather phenomena in the western and southwestern highlands during seasonal changes. These rains contribute to the region's renowned vegetation cover, despite the temporary risks they may pose to infrastructure and traffic.
Expected weather effects on the Najran region
Meanwhile, warnings were not limited to the Al-Baha region but also included the Najran region in the south of the Kingdom. The National Center for Meteorology warned of moderate rainfall in the Najran region, accompanied by strong winds that would significantly reduce horizontal visibility. The affected areas include the city of Najran and the governorates of Badr Al-Janoub, Habuna, Khubash, Thar, and Yadma.
These warnings are of particular importance in the Najran region due to its geography, which includes a number of large valleys, most notably Wadi Najran, one of the largest valleys in the Arabian Peninsula. Rainfall and flash floods in these valleys necessitate a state of alert from the relevant authorities to ensure that citizens and residents do not approach waterways, especially with forecasts of hail and thunderstorms expected to continue until 7:00 PM.
Climate context and public safety guidelines
These weather changes are occurring within the context of the climate changes affecting Saudi Arabia, where many regions are impacted by atmospheric instability resulting from the advance of humid air masses colliding with thermal currents, generating cumulonimbus clouds and rain. In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed a significant improvement in the accuracy of weather forecasts thanks to the advanced technologies employed by the National Center of Meteorology, contributing to reduced losses and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
In light of these weather conditions, the relevant authorities, led by the General Directorate of Civil Defense, reiterate their ongoing warnings about the necessity of adhering to safety instructions. This includes staying completely away from valleys and flood channels, and avoiding crossing them by vehicle or on foot. It is also advised to remain in safe locations during thunderstorms and to avoid using mobile phones in open areas to prevent the risk of lightning strikes. Following these guidelines reflects a high level of community awareness and ensures everyone's safety until this weather event passes, God willing.
