The National Center for Meteorology issues a yellow alert regarding the weather in Mecca
As part of its ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations, the National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a yellow alert concerning weather developments in Mecca and its surrounding provinces. This warning comes at a time when some regions of the Kingdom are experiencing noticeable weather changes, requiring caution from citizens, residents, and visitors to the Holy Mosque to ensure their safety while traveling and carrying out their daily activities.
Weather details and affected governorates
The official report issued by the Meteorology Department clarified that the yellow alert covers four major governorates in the Makkah region: Makkah, Al-Jumum, Maysan, and Al-Ardiyat. The weather forecast includes active surface winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour. These strong winds are expected to stir up dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility on highways and in open areas.
In addition to the strong winds, the center warned of the possibility of light to moderate rain, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas, particularly in the governorates of Maysan and Al-Ardiyat. This weather condition and the yellow alert are expected to continue until 8:00 PM on Saturday, so continuous updates are necessary.
The geographical and climatic context of the Makkah region
Weather warnings in the Makkah region are of paramount importance due to its complex geography and topography. The region is surrounded by a mountain range and interspersed with numerous valleys and wadis. Historically, Makkah and its surrounding areas experience rapid weather fluctuations during seasonal transitions, with the formation of cumulonimbus clouds that can lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines. Therefore, the National Center for Meteorology's early warning system serves as a first line of defense, alerting relevant authorities and the public to take necessary proactive measures.
Weather conditions and public safety guidelines
Locally, these weather changes in Mecca directly affect traffic and transportation, especially for travelers on the highways connecting Mecca, Jeddah, and Taif. Authorities, primarily the traffic police and civil defense, are paying special attention to the safety of pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque, activating emergency plans to address any water accumulation or wind-related impacts.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense consistently emphasizes, in conjunction with weather warnings, the necessity of strictly adhering to safety instructions. This includes staying completely away from valleys and floodplains, avoiding standing near billboards and other objects that could be blown away during strong winds, and exercising extreme caution while driving in conditions of low visibility. Following these guidelines ensures the safety of lives and property and minimizes potential risks.
