The National Center for Meteorology issued today a series of important weather alerts concerning the weather conditions in the Al-Baha and Tabuk regions, indicating weather fluctuations that require attention and caution from citizens, residents, highway users, and coastal areas.
Weather details for the Al-Baha region
In its daily report, the center warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in the Al-Baha region, accompanied by strong surface winds, which will significantly reduce horizontal visibility. The center also indicated that the weather conditions may be accompanied by thunderstorms , increasing the risk of being in open areas and elevated locations.
The alert included several vital governorates in the region: Baljurashi, Al-Qura, Bani Hassan, and Al-Mandaq , as well as their surrounding areas. These regions, located within the Sarawat Mountains, are known for their rapid weather fluctuations due to their rugged, mountainous terrain. The center indicated that this rainy weather pattern is expected to continue, God willing, until 7:00 PM today.
Active winds and sea waves in Tabuk
On the other hand, regarding the northwestern regions, the National Center for Meteorology issued a warning for the Tabuk region, cautioning against strong and active winds that will directly affect coastal cities. The warning included the governorates of Al Wajh, Umluj, Duba, and Neom Sharma .
The meteorological department indicated that the effects of these winds include reduced horizontal visibility due to blowing dust, in addition to a significant increase in wave height, with wind speeds expected to reach between 40 and 49 km/h. This condition is expected to continue, God willing, until 6:00 PM, necessitating caution for seafarers and fishermen in the Red Sea.
Geographical context and the importance of early warnings
These warnings are particularly important given the Kingdom's geographical nature. The Al-Baha region, with its towering mountains and dense forests, frequently experiences dense fog and flash floods during rainfall, making driving on its mountainous terrain a challenging task requiring extreme caution. As for the Tabuk region, with its extensive coastline and mega-projects like NEOM, stable weather conditions are vital for maritime traffic and construction.
The National Center for Meteorology plays a pivotal role in this context, relying on state-of-the-art weather radar and satellite technologies to monitor weather changes and issue early warnings. This role extends beyond mere forecasting; it directly contributes to protecting lives and property through continuous coordination with the General Directorate of Civil Defense and security agencies.
Public safety recommendations
In these conditions, authorities typically urge everyone to adhere to safety guidelines, which include staying away from valleys and flood channels during rainfall in mountainous areas like Al-Baha, and avoiding going to sea or swimming at open beaches in Tabuk due to high waves. Drivers are also advised to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed to avoid skidding or accidents caused by poor visibility.
