The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions for today (Wednesday), as forecasts indicate continued weather fluctuations in several regions, which calls for caution and vigilance by citizens, residents and highway users.

Details of the rain and fog situation

The center forecasts moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, across parts of the southwestern and western highlands of the Kingdom. This weather pattern includes the regions of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan . These storms are a result of the influx of tropical moisture and the interaction of air currents, which increases the likelihood of cumulonimbus cloud formation and rainfall.

In a related development, the meteorological department warned of a high probability of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, which could reduce horizontal visibility. The fog is expected to affect parts of the aforementioned highlands, as well as parts of northern Saudi Arabia, requiring cautious driving on highways.

Wind activity and dust storms

On another note, forecasts indicate active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility in open areas. These winds will affect large parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Madinah regions , extending to the southern parts of the Tabuk .

Geographical and climatic context

The southwestern regions of the Kingdom, such as Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, and the highlands of Makkah, possess a mountainous geography (the Sarawat Mountains) that makes them susceptible to receiving larger amounts of rainfall compared to other regions of the Kingdom, especially during periods of seasonal weather fluctuations. This topography plays a crucial role in lifting and condensing moist air, leading to thunderstorms and hail.

The importance of warnings and safety measures

These forecasts are of paramount importance for the safety of lives and property, as thunderstorms are often accompanied by flash floods in valleys and wadis. Authorities consistently urge people to stay away from floodplains and wadi beds in such conditions, and to exercise caution while driving in fog or heavy dust that reduces visibility, in order to ensure everyone's safety and minimize traffic accidents that may result from adverse weather conditions.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the environmental protection system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Major General Saher bin Mohammed Al-Harbi, Commander of the Special Forces for Environmental Security, inaugurated the "Jibla" and "Al-Hadqa" field centers within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. This inauguration took place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to preserving the nation's natural resources.

During the opening ceremony, Major General Al-Harbi emphasized that the Special Forces for Environmental Security enjoy unlimited support from the wise leadership and continuous oversight from the security sectors, enabling them to fulfill their duties in protecting the environment and the nation's resources. He explained that the two new centers have been equipped with the latest security systems and advanced monitoring technologies, in addition to field vehicles and modern communication networks. This will directly contribute to enhancing the efficiency of security operations, expediting responses to reports, and ensuring the enforcement of environmental regulations to curb violations such as poaching, illegal logging, and unregulated grazing.

Promoting environmental sustainability and protecting biodiversity

The inauguration of the Jabalah and Al-Hadqa centers comes within a significant geographical and environmental context. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is one of the most important nature reserves in the Kingdom, boasting a unique diversity of plant and animal life, as well as varied terrain encompassing mountains, valleys, and plains. Jabalah Mountain is a prominent landmark in the region, and its protection requires a permanent security presence to ensure the sustainability of the vegetation and the return of wildlife to its natural state.

Major General Al-Harbi praised the level of cooperation and integration between the Special Forces for Environmental Security and the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority. He noted that this cooperation represents a model of joint work between government sectors to enhance environmental protection efforts and restore its natural balance, thus contributing to creating a sustainable environment for future generations.

Supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030

The opening of these centers is part of the strategic plan to deploy the Special Forces for Environmental Security to cover all environmental areas and royal reserves in the Kingdom. These efforts directly support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to increase the percentage of protected areas, preserve the natural environment, improve quality of life, and promote ecotourism in accordance with regulations that ensure the safety of the ecosystem.