Red alert: Heavy rain in Jazan and Asir accompanied by flash floods and lightning until the evening
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a red alert, the highest level of warning, on Thursday regarding heavy rainfall in Jazan and Asir. The center explained that this weather system would begin in the evening and continue until 8:00 PM, urging everyone to take precautions and stay away from dangerous areas.
These warnings come within the context of the subtropical climate that characterizes the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom. Regions like Jazan and Asir, thanks to their towering mountains and proximity to the Red Sea, experience seasonal rainfall, particularly during the summer, in contrast to the arid desert climate that prevails in most of the country. These rains, known locally as summer rains, contribute to making these areas among the greenest and most fertile destinations in Saudi Arabia, supporting agriculture and replenishing dams. However, they also carry the risk of extreme weather events when they intensify, necessitating heightened vigilance.
Details of the warning of heavy rain in Jazan and Asir
The advanced warning covered specific governorates and regions. In the Jazan region, the warning focused on Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub. In the Asir region, the warning included the governorates of Rijal Alma and Muhayil. The center warned that these heavy rains would be accompanied by a number of dangerous weather phenomena, most notably high-speed winds that could uproot unstable objects, near-zero horizontal visibility affecting traffic, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and thunderstorm activity. The red alert indicates the need to remain in safe places and avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity.
The importance of responding to official warnings
In such cases, the relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, raise their level of preparedness to deal with any potential emergency. Emergency plans are activated, and field teams are deployed to locations expected to be most vulnerable. Authorities emphasize the need for citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution, stay completely away from valleys and flood channels, and never attempt to cross them under any circumstances. It is also advised to secure loose objects on rooftops and avoid standing in high or exposed areas during thunderstorms to protect lives and property. This red alert serves as a reminder of the dual nature of weather phenomena in southwestern Saudi Arabia; while rainfall is a vital resource for the region, its intensity necessitates full vigilance and a swift response to official instructions to ensure this weather event passes safely and without losses.
