Al-Kharj Governorate and its surrounding areas experienced light rainfall on Saturday, bringing relief to the region. This coincided with weather fluctuations affecting several areas in Saudi Arabia. This rainfall is part of the typical weather pattern impacting the central region at this time of year, and residents welcomed the rain with optimism.
Red alert details for the Riyadh region
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology raised its weather alert level to "red alert" for the Riyadh region. The center explained in its report that the region will experience unstable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds that could lead to near-zero visibility.
The alert included warnings of hail and flash floods in valleys and ravines, as well as thunderstorms, which calls for the utmost caution and vigilance by citizens, residents and highway users.
The importance of adhering to safety and civil defense instructions
Due to the severity of the weather conditions, classified as red (meaning "dangerous"), and the necessity of taking safety precautions, the relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, emphasize the importance of staying away from areas where water accumulates, valleys, and dams during rainfall. It is also advised to avoid using mobile phones in open areas to prevent the risk of lightning strikes, and to drive with extreme caution due to the possibility of vehicles skidding or reduced visibility.
climatic context and the impact of weather conditions
These weather fluctuations are a natural part of the Kingdom's climate during transitional seasons and winter, as the region is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to rainfall, which is a vital source of groundwater and vegetation. Rainfall in the Riyadh region and its governorates, such as Al-Kharj, is of great environmental and economic importance, as it contributes to irrigating farms and improving air quality. However, it requires infrastructure prepared to handle large volumes of water to prevent traffic disruptions or property damage.
The role of the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center of Meteorology plays a pivotal role in protecting lives and property through its continuous and early monitoring of weather conditions using the latest technologies and satellites. The center's automated early warning system is a vital tool for alerting government agencies, service providers, and citizens well in advance of weather events, thus enhancing field preparedness to respond to any emergency.
