Urgent warnings from the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued advanced weather alerts today, warning of rainfall affecting large parts of Jazan. The center explained that this exceptional weather condition will continue, God willing, until 7:00 PM today, necessitating the utmost caution from citizens and residents.
The forecast includes torrential rains accompanied by strong winds that will cause near-zero horizontal visibility, as well as hail, flash floods, and severe thunderstorms. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated in the mountainous and inland governorates of Al-Hurth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Harub.
The impact of the rainy weather on coasts and open areas
In a related development, weather alerts warned of moderate rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, hail, and flash floods, across several coastal and lowland governorates. These include Sabya, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Samtah, Al Tuwal, Baysh, and Ad Darb, as well as Jazan city, the region's administrative capital, the Farasan Islands, and the open areas and highways connecting these governorates.
The geographical and climatic context of the Jazan region
Historically and geographically, the Jazan region, located in the far southwest of Saudi Arabia, is among the areas most prone to weather fluctuations and heavy rainfall, especially during seasonal transitions. This is due to the region's diverse topography, where the coastal plains along the Red Sea meet towering mountain ranges such as the Fifa and Dayer mountains. This topographical contrast contributes to the phenomenon of orographic uplift of moist winds coming from the sea, leading to the condensation of cumulonimbus clouds and heavy rainfall.
The economic and agricultural importance of Jazan rains
Locally and regionally, these rains are of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere weather changes. The Jazan region is known as the Kingdom's breadbasket, with its terraced mountain and plains agriculture heavily reliant on seasonal rainfall. This precipitation irrigates strategic crops for which the region is renowned, such as Saudi Khawlani coffee, mangoes, papayas, and corn. Furthermore, the resulting runoff replenishes strategic dams in the region, such as the Wadi Bish Dam and the Wadi Jazan Dam, thus bolstering groundwater reserves and ensuring a year-round water supply for agricultural and municipal uses.
Safety and Civil Defense Guidelines
With the recurrence of such weather events, the importance of proactive efforts by relevant authorities in the Kingdom becomes increasingly apparent. The General Directorate of Civil Defense works closely with the National Center for Meteorology to ensure the safety of lives and property. Authorities consistently emphasize the need to stay away from valleys and flood channels during and after rainfall, to avoid attempting to cross valleys in vehicles, and to refrain from seeking shelter under trees or billboards to avoid the dangers of lightning strikes and severe downdrafts. Adhering to these instructions is the first line of defense in mitigating the risks associated with severe weather fluctuations.
