Thunderstorms, heavy rain forecast across 13 Saudi regions through Saturday

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast continued thunderstorms and rainfall across most regions of Saudi Arabia from Tuesday through Saturday, with varying intensity between areas.

The center said rain will range from moderate to heavy in Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Province, and Najran, with some areas expected to see particularly heavy downpours. Lighter to moderate rain is expected in Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Tabuk.

Details by region

• Jazan: Moderate to heavy rain from Tuesday to Saturday, intensifying in Rayth, Harub, Al-Daer, Al-Aidabi, Faifa, Al-Aridha, and Al-Harth on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in Jazan, Farasan, Al-Darb, Bish, Sabya, Dhamad, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarha, Samtah, and Al-Tuwal on Wednesday and Thursday.

• Asir: Moderate to heavy rain across most governorates from Tuesday to Saturday, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

• Al-Baha: Moderate to heavy rain throughout the period, with intensity peaking on Saturday.

• Makkah: Moderate to heavy rain in Makkah city, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Khulais, and Bahrah from Tuesday to Saturday, with the heaviest rain on Saturday. Jeddah and Rabigh will see moderate to heavy rain on Tuesday, with renewed chances on Friday and Saturday. Turbah, Al-Khurmah, Rania, Al-Muwaih, Al-Qunfudhah, and Al-Laith will experience moderate to heavy rain from Tuesday to Saturday, with peak intensity on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

• Madinah: Moderate to heavy rain in Madinah, Al-Hanakiyah, Al-Mahd, and Wadi Al-Far' from Tuesday to Saturday, intensifying on Friday and Saturday. Al-Ula, Al-Ays, Badr, and Khaybar will be affected on Friday and Saturday.

• Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh: Moderate to heavy rain from Tuesday to Saturday in several governorates, with periods of increased intensity. Light rain is expected in Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Aflaj, and Al-Sulayyil from Tuesday to Friday.

• Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, and Tabuk: Light to moderate rain at intervals from Tuesday to Saturday.

• Eastern Province: Moderate to heavy rain during the same period, with the heaviest rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Najran: Moderate to heavy rain in Najran, Habouna, Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Yadamah, and Khubash on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The center warned that the rain may be accompanied by flash floods, hail, and strong downdraft winds that could reach speeds of 60 km/h or more during heavy downpours. There is also a risk of high waves along the coasts and possible formation of tornadoes or waterspouts.

The center urged everyone to follow the latest updates, reports, and warnings via its website, the "Anwa" app, and official social media accounts. It added that initial forecasts suggest rain may continue in some regions into next week, with further reports to be issued in due course.