The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued the Madinah , forecasting severe weather fluctuations beginning tomorrow, Saturday. The center's report indicates that the region will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall, necessitating the utmost caution.
Details of the rainfall situation and affected areas
Weather maps and numerical models at the center indicate that the weather system will bring light to moderate rainfall across a wide area, including Medina, Yanbu, Khaybar, Badr, Al-Hanakiya, Wadi Al-Fara, and Al-Mahd. This forecast is part of a wave of atmospheric instability affecting various parts of the Kingdom during this transitional period of the year.
In a related context, the center singled out the governorates of Al-Ula and Al-Ais with more severe forecasts, as they are expected to witness rainfall ranging from moderate to heavy at intermittent intervals, which increases the likelihood of valleys and streams flowing in those mountainous and rugged areas.
Accompanying weather phenomena and potential hazards
The anticipated weather conditions are not limited to rainfall; the center also warned of a range of accompanying weather phenomena that could pose a risk to public safety, including:
- Downdrafts: Fast wind activity that may exceed 60 km/h, leading to dust and sandstorms and reduced horizontal visibility, especially on highways and open roads.
- Hailfall: The possibility of hailstones of varying sizes falling in conjunction with thunderstorms.
- High waves: Sea conditions are turbulent and waves are high on the coasts of the Madinah region, requiring caution from fishermen and sea-goers.
- Flash floods: The risk of flash floods and valley flow in low-lying areas.
The importance of adhering to safety instructions
These warnings are of paramount importance given the geographical nature of the Medina region, which includes numerous large valleys and ravines that can fill with water suddenly during heavy rainfall. Such fluctuations are part of the prevailing climate in the Arabian Peninsula, where topography plays a significant role in promoting thunderstorms and rain.
The National Center for Meteorology stressed the need to follow its reports in real time through its official channels, and to fully comply with the instructions of the concerned authorities, such as the Civil Defense, which usually include staying away from valleys and flood channels, and avoiding the risk of crossing valleys while they are flowing, in order to preserve lives and property.
