Rain forecast for Mecca and its surrounding governorates
Following up on the weather situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology issued an important alert regarding expected rainfall in Makkah and its surrounding governorates. According to the official report, the region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, God willing. This weather system includes several vital governorates: Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Ranyah, and Al-Khurmah. The center explained that these weather fluctuations will begin on Tuesday and continue until next Friday, necessitating attention to weather updates and taking necessary precautions.
The climatic and geographical context of rainfall in the western region
Historically, the Makkah region, particularly its mountainous areas such as Taif and Maysan, has enjoyed relatively good rainfall compared to other parts of the Kingdom. This rainfall plays a vital role in supporting vegetation and local agriculture. Taif, for example, is renowned for its rose and seasonal fruit cultivation, which relies heavily on rainwater and groundwater. In recent years, a noticeable shift in climatic patterns has been observed across the Arabian Peninsula, with an increased frequency of rainfall events. Meteorologists attribute this to global climate change and the expansion of humid low-pressure systems into the region, making these rains part of a broader climatic system affecting the region.
Expected impacts locally and regionally
Locally, these rains have significant positive impacts, most notably replenishing the region's dams, thus contributing to strengthening the strategic groundwater reserves and providing the necessary water for the agricultural sector. However, the heavy rainfall may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, which could temporarily disrupt traffic on some highways and secondary roads connecting the governorates. Regionally, documenting these weather events contributes to strengthening the climate databases used by research centers to study climate change in the Middle East and its impact on water resources.
Guidelines and instructions from the General Directorate of Civil Defense
In conjunction with reports from the National Center for Meteorology, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged all citizens and residents in the Makkah region and affected governorates to exercise extreme caution. Civil Defense instructions emphasize the importance of staying away from valleys and flood channels, and not attempting to cross them during rainfall, regardless of the surface water level. Authorities also stress the need to follow official channels for continuous weather updates and to adhere to traffic regulations to avoid accidents caused by vehicles skidding or reduced visibility due to heavy rain and associated fog.
