The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has revealed important climate data related to the distribution and frequency of thunderstorms in various regions of the Kingdom, within a comprehensive report covering a long period of time extending to four decades, from 1985 to 2025, based on historical climate records and approved forecasts.
The report revealed that Abha, the administrative capital of the Asir region, surpassed all other cities in the Kingdom in the frequency of this type of weather phenomenon, recording the highest average number of thunderstorm days at 59 per year. This figure reflects the unique climatic characteristics of the southwestern highlands. Taif followed with an average of 45 days, then Khamis Mushait and Al-Baha with 44 days each, while the coastal Jazan region recorded 33 days.
Distribution of thunderstorms in other regions
The report's details for the central, northern, and eastern regions showed a marked difference compared to the southern highlands. The number of thunderstorm days reached 19 in both Qassim and Hail, and 17 in the governorates of Bisha, Makkah, and Dammam. Madinah recorded 15 days, while the capital, Riyadh, experienced 14 days, and Najran 13 days.
The areas with lower rates included Rafha, Al-Ahsa, Arar, and Al-Jawf with 11 days, Jeddah with 10 days, and Wadi Al-Dawasir with 9 days. At the bottom of the list were Tabuk and Yanbu with 8 days each, Al-Qurayyat with 7 days, Sharurah with 6 days, and Tarif with 5 days. Al-Wajh Governorate recorded the fewest days of this phenomenon, with only 4 days throughout the year.
Geographical and climatic context
The prominence of Abha and the southwestern regions (such as Al-Baha and Taif) on this list can be explained by their topography; these cities are situated on the peaks of the towering Sarawat Mountains, some of which rise to between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands act as natural windbreaks against the humid winds coming from the Red Sea, leading to "uplift" and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, particularly during the spring and summer months. This distinguishes the climate of these regions from the arid desert climate prevalent in central and northern Saudi Arabia.
The importance of monitoring and its developmental impact
This data is of paramount importance beyond mere weather monitoring; it forms a cornerstone in urban planning and infrastructure development within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Knowing the seasons and intensity of thunderstorms helps the concerned authorities to design highly efficient rainwater and flood drainage networks, especially in mountainous cities with rugged terrain.
This information also plays a vital role in the tourism sector, as the rainy and mild summer weather is a major draw for tourists to Abha and Taif, thus boosting the local economy. The National Center for Meteorology confirmed that this report is part of its ongoing efforts to document the Kingdom's climatic characteristics and provide a reliable database to support researchers and decision-makers across various sectors.
