The Meteorology Department warns of rain and dust storms in Tabuk and Al-Baha today
The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued today important weather alerts regarding the expected weather conditions in the Tabuk and Al-Baha regions, indicating weather fluctuations ranging from dust storms to thunderstorms, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Weather details in Tabuk
The center explained in its daily report that the Tabuk region is experiencing active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand, causing a significant decrease in horizontal visibility. Visibility is expected to drop to between 1 and 3 kilometers, and may reach near zero in some open areas. This includes the city of Tabuk, the governorate of Tayma, and their surrounding areas. The center indicated that this weather condition will continue, God willing, until 6:00 PM today, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving.
Thunderstorms in the Al-Baha region
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of scattered rainfall in the Al-Baha region, accompanied by strong surface winds, reduced horizontal visibility, and the possibility of thunderstorms. The report indicated that the rainy conditions would affect Al-Baha city, as well as the governorates of Baljurashi, Al-Qura, Bani Hassan, Al-Mandaq, and surrounding areas. This weather pattern is expected to continue until 8:00 PM.
climatic and geographical context
These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's natural climatic patterns during the transitional periods between seasons, when low-pressure systems become active and affect different regions. The Al-Baha region is characterized by its mountainous terrain within the Sarawat Mountains, making it prone to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and frequent rainfall. This replenishes the region's groundwater reserves and vegetation cover, but simultaneously poses a potential risk of flash flooding in valleys and ravines.
As for the Tabuk region, due to its geographical location in the northwest of the Kingdom and its open desert nature in some parts, it is directly affected by active winds that stir up dust and sand, especially in open areas and highways that connect the governorates.
Public safety recommendations
Under these conditions, relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, emphasize the importance of following public safety guidelines. It is advised to avoid speeding on roads experiencing heavy dust or rainfall, to stay away from floodplains and wadis in rainy areas, and not to attempt to cross wadis regardless of the water level. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma in the Tabuk region are also advised to take necessary precautions to avoid complications from the dust.
