ABHA: The annual appearance of the Sirius star marked the beginning of the traditional autumn season in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region on Thursday, heralding a crucial period for the area’s unique agricultural calendar, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Known locally as “Alb,” the July 16 emergence of Sirius has guided farming activities for generations. According to researcher Dr. Abdullah Al-Mousa, the star’s arrival coincides with the deepening of the Indian seasonal low-pressure system over the southwestern highlands. This atmospheric shift creates ideal conditions for cumulonimbus clouds and essential summer rainfall.
Al-Mousa noted the period is frequently accompanied by “Ghusmat Alb,” a local phenomenon where dust blows from the Tihama lowlands. The season is also steeped in local folklore, marked by the fledging of young crows and the emergence of specific insects and reptiles.
This seasonal transition is vital for Asir, whose diverse topography—ranging from the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama plains—provides a cooler climate than the rest of the Kingdom. This environment supports year-round cultivation and rainfed crops that are challenging to grow elsewhere.
The autumn rainfall builds on the region’s spring planting efforts, where farmers maintain ancient terraced hillsides to conserve soil and rainwater. Today, local agriculture blends tradition with modern technology, utilizing advanced irrigation and greenhouses to maximize water efficiency.
