Details of thunderstorm forecasts across the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant weather fluctuations, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting thunderstorms across the Kingdom, ranging in intensity from light to moderate to heavy. This rainy period is expected to begin tomorrow, Monday, March 23, and continue until Saturday, March 28, 2026. These forecasts are accompanied by several weather phenomena that require attention and caution from citizens and residents.
Climate and weather history in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is characterized by its arid desert climate for most of the year. However, the transitional periods between seasons, particularly during the spring season in March, often witness periods of atmospheric instability. Historically, these periods have been responsible for significant rainfall, which contributes to changes in the environmental landscape. These conditions arise from the convergence of warm, moist air masses from the south with cold air masses from the north, leading to the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds that can cover vast areas.
Local and environmental impacts of weather fluctuations
These rains are of paramount importance and have a significant local and regional impact. They play a vital role in replenishing groundwater and raising the water levels in dams upon which the Kingdom relies for agriculture and drinking water. On the other hand, these weather fluctuations pose challenges to infrastructure and traffic, highlighting the crucial role of early warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology in mitigating potential risks, ensuring the safe continuation of daily life, and minimizing any material or human losses that may result from flash floods.
Rainfall map: from north to west
According to the weather report, the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, and the Northern Borders will be affected by moderate to heavy thunderstorms from Monday, March 23, to Thursday, March 26, 2026. This weather system includes the governorates of Tayma, Neom, Duba, Al-Wajh, Umluj, Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Shamli, Baqaa, Al-Hait, Muwaqq, Arar, Rafha, Tarif, and Al-Uwayqilah. In the Madinah region, the system includes Yanbu, Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Ais, Wadi Al-Fara, and Badr, with the heaviest rainfall expected from Wednesday evening through Thursday, later extending to Al-Mahd, Al-Hanakiya, and Madinah itself.
Weather in Mecca and the Holy Sites
In the Makkah region, the governorates of Jeddah, Khulais, Bahrah, and Rabigh will experience light to moderate rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, increasing to moderate and heavy on Thursday, March 26. This weather pattern will extend to include Makkah, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Lith, as well as Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah, with the intensity expected to peak on Thursday.
The situation continues in the southern and central highlands
In the Al-Baha and Asir regions, rain will continue from Monday, March 23, until Friday, March 27 in Al-Baha, and until Saturday, March 28 in Asir. The intensity will range from moderate to heavy, with the possibility of heavier rainfall by midweek. The affected areas include the governorates of Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Makhwah, Al-Namas, Muhayil Asir, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Bisha, and Dhahran Al-Janoub. The Jazan region will also be affected by heavy rain, intensifying on Thursday and Friday, including Al-Raith, Haroub, Faifa, Al-Ardah, Jizan, Sabya, and Farasan. In Najran, the weather system will begin lightly and intensify, becoming heavy by the end of the week. The Riyadh region will experience light to moderate rain from Monday to Wednesday, including the capital and the governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Majmaah, Ad-Diriyah, Al-Kharj, and Ad-Dawadmi. The intensity will increase on Thursday and Friday, extending to Wadi Ad-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj.
Rainfall in the Eastern Province and Qassim, and associated phenomena
The Qassim region will be affected by rain that will become heavy on Thursday, including Buraidah, Ar Rass, Al Bukayriyah, Al Mudhnib, An Nabhaniyah, Al Asyah, and Uqlat As Suqur. In the Eastern Province, the weather system will affect Hafr Al Batin and Al Khafji, while Dammam, Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, An Nu'ayriyah, and Al Ahsa will be affected by heavy rain from Monday to Friday, intensifying on Wednesday and Thursday.
The report indicated that this rainy weather system may be accompanied by strong downdrafts causing dust storms, flash floods, hail, and high waves along the coasts, with the possibility of tornadoes or waterspouts forming in some areas. The center urged everyone to follow the ongoing updates through official early warning channels to ensure safety.
