Saudi Arabia is experiencing severe weather fluctuations , with the National Center for Meteorology announcing that most regions of the Kingdom will be affected by heavy rainfall starting today, Monday, and continuing until next Saturday. This weather system will be accompanied by strong downdrafts, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and the possibility of tornadoes and waterspouts in some coastal areas. The intensity of this rainfall will range from light to moderate to heavy, requiring vigilance and extreme caution.
Climate and rainfall history in Saudi Arabia
The Arabian Peninsula is characterized by a dry desert climate for most of the year, but the transitional periods between seasons often witness significant climatic changes. Historically, the Kingdom has recorded numerous intense weather events during these transitional seasons, where cold and warm air masses meet to form massive cumulonimbus clouds. These natural phenomena are not new to the region; the inhabitants are accustomed to periods of heavy rainfall that fill dams and replenish groundwater, reflecting another facet of the Kingdom's diverse geography and contributing to the revitalization of vegetation.
Map showing the impact of severe weather fluctuations on different regions
The weather report indicated that the impact of any severe weather fluctuations will be most evident in the northern and western regions. Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, and the Northern Borders regions will be affected by moderate to heavy thunderstorms until Thursday. This includes the governorates of Tayma, Neom, Duba, Al-Wajh, Umluj, Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Sakaka, and Dumat Al-Jandal. The effects will also extend towards Al-Shamli, Baqaa, Al-Hait, Muwaqq, Arar, Rafha, Tarif, and Al-Uwayqilah. In Medina and its surrounding governorates, heavy rainfall will intensify on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, extending to Al-Mahd and Al-Hanakiya. The Makkah region will experience light to moderate rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, becoming heavy on Thursday and affecting the Holy City, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, Al-Qunfudhah, and Al-Lith. Heavy rainfall will also continue in Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat.
Continuous rain in the southern and central highlands
The center indicated that Al-Baha and Asir regions will be affected by continuous rainfall until the end of the week, intensifying mid-week in Al-Baha and towards the end of the week in Asir, including Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Makhwah, Al-Namas, Mahayil, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Bisha, and Dhahran Al-Janoub. The Jazan region will also experience heavy rainfall, intensifying on Thursday and Friday. In Najran, the weather system will begin with light rain continuing until Wednesday, then become more active and heavy on Thursday evening and Friday. The capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates will experience light to moderate rain, increasing in intensity towards the end of the week and extending to Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj. The Qassim region will also experience scattered rainfall, becoming heavy on Thursday.
Eastern Province weather
The National Center for Meteorology warned that the Eastern Province, Hafr Al-Batin, and Khafji will be affected by heavy rain. The rainy conditions are expected to intensify on Wednesday and Thursday in Dammam, Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, Nairyah, and Al-Ahsa, requiring caution while driving on highways and avoiding areas prone to flooding.
Expected repercussions and the importance of early response
These heavy rainfalls are having widespread impacts at both the local and regional levels. On the positive side, they are supporting the agricultural sector and increasing the strategic water reserves in dams. On the other hand, these conditions are posing challenges to infrastructure and daily traffic. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as civil defense and municipalities, are raising their level of preparedness and mobilization to deal with water accumulations and clear roads. The center concluded its report by urging everyone to exercise caution and follow the continuous updates through official early warning channels to ensure safety and avoid venturing into valleys and floodplains.
