The National Center for Meteorology issued an important weather report, warning of unstable weather conditions affecting the Northern Borders , with moderate to heavy rainfall expected. The center explained that these conditions will begin to have a significant impact starting next Monday and will continue until Wednesday, urging citizens, residents, and those traveling on highways to take precautions.
Weather details and affected areas
The weather alert covered several major cities and governorates in the region, most notably Arar , and the governorates of Tarif , Rafha , and Al-Uwaiqilah . The report indicated that the expected rainfall would not be typical, but would be accompanied by several weather phenomena, including:
- Active downdrafts may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility before the rain.
- Hail fell in varying intensity in some locations.
- Flash floods in valleys and ravines are a result of heavy rainfall over short periods of time.
The climatic context and the importance of rainfall for the region
This rainfall comes within the context of the seasonal climatic shifts the Kingdom is experiencing, as the Northern Borders region is among those directly affected by low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or by humid thermal expansions. This rainfall is of significant environmental and economic importance to the region, as it contributes to:
The rainfall has revitalized vegetation in the desert and pastoral areas of the northern border region, promising a bountiful spring season for natural grazing lands. It also helps replenish groundwater reserves, which is vital for the sustainability of the environment in arid regions.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
Given the region's geography and the presence of numerous valleys, the anticipated impact of this weather system necessitates strict adherence to public safety guidelines. The system is expected to affect traffic on international highways connecting the Kingdom to neighboring countries via the northern border crossings. Therefore, drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution while driving and avoid speeding during rainfall and hail.
The relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, always stress in such circumstances the need to stay away from valleys and flood channels, and not to risk crossing them no matter how high the water level is, and to follow weather updates through official channels to ensure everyone’s safety.
