The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for the Makkah region on Monday, forecasting light rain, possibly thundery at times, in scattered areas. According to the report, this weather pattern will begin at 8:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM, urging caution.
Affected areas and associated impacts
The alert covers several governorates and major cities in the region, including: Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Khulais, Al-Shuaiba, Bahra, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, Al-Lith, and Al-Qunfudhah . The center warned that the rain may be accompanied by other weather effects that could increase the severity of the situation, most notably increased surface wind activity that may stir up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility, in addition to the possibility of thunderstorms.
The climatic context of the Makkah region
The Makkah region, like most of western Saudi Arabia, is characterized by a hot and dry desert climate year-round. Rainfall, even light, is a significant climatic event eagerly awaited by residents, as it helps to moderate the weather and alleviate the high temperatures, while also washing away dust and pollutants. Historically, rain in this region has been associated with prosperity and blessings. However, the mountainous terrain of some areas and the presence of dry valleys make it susceptible to flash floods during heavy rainfall, necessitating constant monitoring of warnings issued by the Civil Defense and the Meteorology Department.
Importance and expected effects
Weather alerts in the Makkah region are of particular importance both locally and internationally. Locally, these conditions affect traffic in major, densely populated cities like Jeddah and Makkah, prompting relevant authorities such as Civil Defense, Traffic Police, and municipalities to take necessary measures to ensure public safety and manage rainwater runoff. Internationally, the presence of the Grand Mosque and the Holy Kaaba in Makkah makes it a destination for millions of pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. Saudi authorities prioritize the safety of pilgrims during these weather conditions, issuing warnings in multiple languages and deploying field teams to respond to any emergencies in the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas.
An overview of the Kingdom's weather
The National Center for Meteorology's report wasn't limited to the Makkah region; it also indicated partly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms and rain, accompanied by active winds, over parts of the highlands in the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions. The report also didn't rule out the possibility of fog forming during the early morning hours in parts of the Eastern Province and the northern regions of the Kingdom, urging everyone to exercise caution while driving in these areas.
