Advanced warning from the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert for the Northern Borders region, warning of potential weather fluctuations over the weekend. According to the alert, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected on Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24, 2025. The anticipated rainfall will affect the city of Arar, and the governorates of Rafha, Al-Uwaiqilah, and Tarif, as well as surrounding areas.
Effects associated with the weather conditions
The center explained that these rains may be accompanied by thunderstorms at times, and other weather effects that require caution. Among the most prominent of these potential effects are hail of varying intensity and active surface winds that may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. The center also warned of a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines due to the expected heavy rainfall in some areas.
The climatic context of the Northern Borders region
The Northern Borders region, like most of the Kingdom, is characterized by an arid desert climate, with rainfall generally scarce and irregular. However, winter typically sees the passage of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean basin, bringing rain to the northern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. While this rainfall is crucial for wildlife and replenishing groundwater resources, the region's topography, consisting of hard ground and dry valleys, makes it susceptible to the rapid formation of flash floods when large amounts of rain fall in a short period.
Importance and expected effects
Locally, the importance of this warning lies in raising awareness among residents and urging them to take necessary precautions. Flash floods can pose a threat to lives and property and disrupt traffic on main and secondary roads. Relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense Directorate, typically increase their preparedness to deal with any emergencies that may arise from this weather condition. On the other hand, these rains also have positive aspects, contributing to the growth of vegetation and natural pastures upon which residents rely for grazing their livestock, and revitalizing the desert environment in general.
Weather conditions in the rest of the Kingdom
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology reported that other regions of the Kingdom will experience strong winds stirring up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. These regions include parts of Makkah, Madinah, and Tabuk, extending to the western parts of Al-Jawf, Hail, and Riyadh, as well as parts of Najran and the Eastern Province. Therefore, citizens and residents in all regions are advised to follow the center's ongoing updates and adhere to safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
