Meteorology: Heavy rains and flash floods in Al-Baha; important warnings issued to residents

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for the Al-Baha region, warning of severe weather fluctuations that could disrupt daily life. The center explained in its report that the region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by a number of weather phenomena that require caution from residents, visitors, and road users.

Weather details and affected areas

According to the meteorological statement, heavy rainfall is expected in Al-Baha city and several major governorates, including Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, and Al-Aqiq, as well as surrounding areas. The weather system will not only bring rain but will also be accompanied by strong winds that may stir up dust and sand before the rain begins, and near-zero visibility due to dense fog covering the highlands. There is also a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines, hail, and thunderstorms.

In a related development, the center also warned of moderate rainfall in the Tihama region, including the governorates of Al-Makhwah, Qalwah, Al-Hajrah, and Ghamid Al-Zanad. This rainfall will be accompanied by strong winds and reduced visibility, increasing the risk of landslides on mountain roads and slopes.

The geographical and climatic context of the Al-Baha region

These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the Al-Baha region, which lies within the Sarawat Mountains. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain and steep slopes, making it prone to flash floods that travel rapidly during heavy rainfall. Al-Baha is a significant tourist and agricultural area in the Kingdom, where a large sector of agriculture relies on seasonal rainwater. However, heavy rainfall can pose a threat to agricultural terraces and the mountainous roads that connect the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama coastal plain.

Public safety recommendations

These warnings are part of the ongoing efforts of the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property. Such weather conditions are typically accompanied by calls from Civil Defense and other competent authorities to stay away from valleys and flood channels, avoid climbing to high and exposed areas during thunderstorms, and drive with extreme caution due to reduced visibility caused by fog and rain.

The National Center for Meteorology indicated that this unstable weather condition will continue - God willing - until 6 pm today, calling on everyone to follow the latest weather reports through official channels.