The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued
Weather details in Hail
The center explained in its daily report that the region will experience light rainfall, accompanied by a noticeable increase in surface winds that may reach very high speeds. The report indicated that this weather pattern will be accompanied by thunderstorms, which may directly affect open areas and highways connecting Hail to neighboring regions.
The meteorological department also warned that strong winds would stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility and posing a challenge for drivers. The center indicated that this weather condition would end, God willing, at 11:00 PM on Friday.
The geographical and climatic context of the Hail region
The Hail region boasts a diverse geography, surrounded by renowned mountains such as the Aja and Salma ranges, and interspersed with numerous valleys and ravines. This topography makes the region susceptible to flash floods even with light to moderate rainfall, especially when accompanied by strong winds that push cumulonimbus clouds towards higher elevations.
The northern and central regions of the Kingdom usually experience weather fluctuations at such times of the year, resulting from the overlap of air masses, leading to atmospheric instability characterized by downdrafts and scattered rain, which is part of the prevailing climate in the Arabian Peninsula during the transitional seasons and winter.
The importance of warnings and safety guidelines
This warning is particularly important given Hail's strategic location as a key transit point for pilgrims and travelers between the north, center, and west of the Kingdom. Therefore, the impact of the winds and reduced visibility extends beyond the local population to include land transport and logistics operations.
In light of these warnings, it is advisable to follow public safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities such as the Civil Defense, which include:
- Stay away completely from flood channels, valleys, and low-lying areas, even if the rain is light, in anticipation of any sudden water flow.
- Reduce speed while driving on highways, and leave a sufficient safety distance between vehicles to avoid accidents caused by skidding or lack of visibility due to dust.
- Secure loose objects in homes, farms, and open areas to withstand strong winds.
- Follow official weather bulletins through approved channels and smartphone applications of the National Center for Meteorology to ensure you get accurate and up-to-date information.
These ongoing efforts by the National Center for Meteorology come within the framework of the Kingdom’s keenness to strengthen the early warning system and protect lives and property by providing accurate and proactive information about various weather phenomena.
