The National Center for Meteorology issued a series of advanced weather alerts on Friday concerning several regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, warning of weather fluctuations including varying rainfall and surface wind activity, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Weather details in the Tabuk region
In the Tabuk region, the center warned of moderate rainfall affecting Al-Muazzam, Tayma, and the coastal city of Duba. The center explained that this weather system is not limited to rain alone, but also includes accompanying effects such as strong winds that may stir up dust and sand, reduce horizontal visibility to near zero, and cause hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and high waves along the coast, with the possibility of thunderstorms. The center indicated that this weather system is expected to continue, God willing, until 6:00 PM today.
Thunderstorms and winds in the highlands of Al-Baha
In the same context, the center issued a warning for the Al-Baha region, forecasting rainfall accompanied by active winds and a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, with a chance of thunderstorms. The warning covers Al-Baha city, and the governorates of Baljurashi, Al-Qura, Bani Hassan, Al-Mandaq, and surrounding areas. These warnings are particularly important given the mountainous terrain of the region, which could increase the risk of landslides or dense fog. The center indicated that the weather conditions would persist until 7:00 PM.
Strong winds and floods in Hail
The alerts also included the Hail region, where the National Center for Meteorology warned of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, flash floods, and thunderstorms. The center noted that these effects would extend to open areas and highways connecting the governorates, potentially reducing horizontal visibility, and urged drivers to exercise caution. The conditions in Hail are expected to persist until 10:00 PM.
The importance of adhering to safety instructions
These warnings come as part of the vital role played by the National Center of Meteorology in monitoring and tracking weather phenomena to mitigate potential risks. Such weather events typically coincide with ongoing calls from the General Directorate of Civil Defense urging people to stay away from water accumulations, valleys, and dams during rainfall, and to avoid attempting to cross floodwaters, no matter how low the water level may seem, in order to protect lives and property.
At this time of year, the Kingdom experiences seasonal weather fluctuations characterized by instability, as different regions are affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to the formation of rain-bearing cumulonimbus clouds, reflecting the wide climatic and geographical diversity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
