The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced warning regarding an unstable weather system expected to affect large parts of the Qassim and Madinah regions over the weekend. The center urged citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution due to the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential hazardous weather phenomena.
Heavy thunderstorms in the Qassim region
In its detailed warning, the center explained that the Qassim region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall starting Saturday and continuing until Sunday morning. The affected areas include the city of Buraidah and the governorates of Unaizah, Ar Rass, Al Mudhnib, Al Bukayriyah, Al Badai, Uyun Al Jawa, Riyadh Al Khabra, Ash Shamasiyah, Al Asyah, An Nabhaniyah, Uqlat As Suqur, Dhariyah, and Abanat. The center indicated that this heavy rainfall may be accompanied by severe weather effects, including:
- Hailfall: which can cause damage to vehicles and crops.
- Flash floods: where the risk of flash floods forming in valleys and ravines increases.
- Active downdrafts: Their speed may exceed 60 km/h, leading to dust and sandstorms and a decrease in horizontal visibility.
Strong winds in Medina
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of continued strong surface winds in the Madinah region, with speeds potentially reaching 59 kilometers per hour. The statement explained that these winds will cause a significant decrease in horizontal visibility. The affected areas include Madinah city and the governorates of Al-Hanakiya, Al-Mahd, Al-Ais, Badr, and Wadi Al-Fara, and are expected to persist until the evening hours.
The climatic context and the importance of rainfall in the region
These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's rainy season, which is of paramount importance to desert regions like Qassim and Madinah. This rainfall plays a vital role in replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector, particularly in the Qassim region, known as the "breadbasket of the Kingdom." However, the region's geography, characterized by numerous dry valleys, makes it vulnerable to flash floods during heavy rainfall, as the dry soil cannot absorb large volumes of water quickly.
Expected effects and calls to adhere to instructions
This weather condition is expected to affect traffic and increase the likelihood of accidents due to reduced visibility and water accumulation. In response, relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, are raising their level of preparedness to deal with any emergencies. The National Center of Meteorology has emphasized the importance of adhering to safety instructions, staying away from valleys, floodplains, and low-lying areas, and continuously monitoring weather reports and alerts issued through the center's official channels to obtain the latest information and updates.
