The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued urgent and important weather alerts today, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by severe weather conditions across large parts of southwestern Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Asir and Jazan regions. These warnings are part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, as this heavy rainfall is expected to continue until 10:00 PM this evening.
Weather details for the Asir region
The National Center for Meteorology explained that the Asir region will experience heavy rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds, which may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility. Warnings include hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and severe thunderstorms. This weather system will be concentrated in the city of Abha and the governorates of Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Al-Harajah, Al-Rabou'ah, Al-Farshah, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al-Janoub. These conditions require extreme caution from motorists and residents of low-lying areas.
Thunderstorms and flash floods sweep through Jazan provinces
In a related development, weather alerts were issued for the Jazan region, which is also experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall. This rain is accompanied by strong winds leading to reduced horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. These warnings specifically target the governorates of Al-Harath, Al-Dayer Bani Malik, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub, as well as open areas and highways connecting these governorates. The center confirmed that this unstable weather condition will continue, God willing, until 10:00 PM.
The climatic and historical context of southern rainfall
The southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia, particularly Asir and Jazan, are characterized by a complex geography and mountainous terrain within the Sarawat Mountains. Historically, these areas have been more susceptible to seasonal rainfall and rapid climate change compared to the rest of the Kingdom. The elevated terrain plays a crucial role in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, especially during seasonal transitions and the summer rainy season. Over the years, relevant authorities in the Kingdom have worked to develop infrastructure, such as building dams and flood control channels, to manage these enormous volumes of water and utilize them to support groundwater reserves and the agricultural sector for which the region is renowned, such as the terraced farms in Fifa and Asir.
Expected impact and safety guidelines
Locally, these rains have a dual impact; on the one hand, they contribute to reviving vegetation and supporting local agriculture that relies on rainwater; on the other hand, flash floods pose a real threat to lives and property, especially in valleys and low-lying areas. Regionally, the Kingdom's efforts in managing natural disasters and activating early warning systems stand out as a leading model in the region. The General Directorate of Civil Defense consistently emphasizes, in conjunction with weather reports, the necessity for everyone to adhere to instructions, stay away from valleys and flood channels, avoid using mobile phones during thunderstorms, and drive with extreme caution on mountain roads to avoid rockslides and traffic accidents, thus preserving lives and property until the weather event passes safely.
