Weather forecast for Mecca: Rain continues
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, indicating a continued chance of light rain in scattered parts of the Makkah region on Tuesday. According to the alert, this weather pattern is expected to persist until 9:00 AM, affecting the Holy City of Makkah, as well as the governorates of Al-Lith, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, Ash-Shuaiba, Bahrah, and Khulais. The center warned that this rain may be accompanied by other weather effects, such as increased surface wind activity that could stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility, in addition to the possibility of thunderstorms in some areas. Therefore, caution is advised.
The climatic context and the importance of rainfall in the region
These rains come at a time when most of the Kingdom is experiencing arid weather, making their arrival a significant event. The western region of the Kingdom, including Mecca, is known for its hot desert climate, where rainfall is rare and irregular, concentrated mainly in winter and spring. Even light rains help to moderate the climate and alleviate the aridity, and they also purify the air of impurities and dust, thus improving overall air quality. Environmentally, these rains help to support desert vegetation and replenish groundwater resources, on which some regions heavily rely.
Warnings of light fog in the Eastern Province
In a related development, weather alerts were not limited to the western region. The National Center for Meteorology also warned of light fog forming over parts of the eastern region during the early morning hours. The report explained that this phenomenon began at 1:00 AM and continued until 8:00 AM, affecting major cities and governorates such as Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, and the Al-Udayd area. The center indicated that the fog led to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, ranging between 3 and 5 kilometers, which directly impacts traffic, especially for commuters and employees during the early morning hours, requiring cautious driving to ensure road safety.
Expected effects and calls to adhere to instructions
These weather phenomena have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents. In Mecca, with its sanctity and religious significance that attracts pilgrims and visitors throughout the year, rainfall adds a spiritual atmosphere, but it also necessitates special preparations to ensure the safety of those visiting the Grand Mosque. In the Eastern Province, a vital industrial and economic hub, fog can affect transportation, shipping, and industrial operations. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, emphasize the importance of following warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology and adhering to safety instructions, whether driving in low visibility conditions or during thunderstorms.
