Scattered thunderstorms in the Al-Baha region
The Al-Baha region and large parts of its governorates witnessed scattered rainfall today, ranging from light to moderate, accompanied by thunderstorms that added a special charm to the atmosphere. The rain included Al-Baha city and its suburbs, as well as the governorates of Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Qura, Bani Hassan, Qalwa, Ghamid Al-Zanad, Al-Hajrah, and their affiliated administrative centers. The rain also fell on a number of the region's renowned natural parks, leading to the flow of several valleys and streams and saturating the land, promising a bountiful agricultural season and breathtaking scenery.
Climate context and weather forecasts
These rains are consistent with forecasts issued by the National Center for Meteorology, which warned in its daily reports of a continued chance of thunderstorms and rain over the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. This weather phenomenon is characteristic of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, where the mountainous terrain contributes to lifting and condensing humid air, leading to cloud formation and rainfall, especially during the spring and summer seasons.
The importance of rainfall for the Al-Baha region
These rains are of strategic importance to the Al-Baha region, known as the “Garden of the Hijaz” thanks to its lush greenery and temperate climate compared to other parts of the Kingdom. Locally, the rainfall directly replenishes groundwater reserves and dams, which is vital for supporting the region’s renowned agricultural sector, producing a variety of fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, and apricots. It also revitalizes the dense vegetation in its forests and parks, such as the famous Raghadan Forest, enhancing biodiversity and maintaining its unique ecological balance.
Impact on tourism and the local economy
At both the regional and national levels, this rainy weather reinforces Al-Baha's position as a leading domestic tourist destination, especially for citizens and residents seeking respite from the summer heat in other cities. The stunning natural beauty created by the rains attracts thousands of visitors, stimulating economic activity in the accommodation, restaurant, and service sectors. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and enhance the tourism sector, with Al-Baha serving as a model for ecotourism and mountain tourism. With the rainfall, relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense Directorate, issued warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise caution and stay away from valleys and floodplains to ensure their safety.
