Jazan leads Saudi rainfall as expert reveals causes of heavy storms

Jazan: Yusra Musallami

In a striking display of nature’s power and beauty, Jazan continues to dominate Saudi Arabia’s rainy season, with persistent heavy downpours, flowing valleys and streams, and rising water levels in several areas. Thunderstorms have created captivating natural scenes, captured by photographers and storm chasers, as attention turns to what the rest of October and November may bring for the region’s weather.

Explaining the reasons behind these weather phenomena, Ali Mashhoor, a member of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, told Ajel that a combination of climatic and geographical factors makes Jazan especially prone to thundercloud formation and rainfall. He noted that the region experiences strong upward heat currents, abundant atmospheric moisture, orographic lifting, and converging winds—all of which combine to intensify air currents and produce towering local clouds, often accompanied by intense lightning.

Mashhoor explained that autumn brings weather conditions that increase the likelihood of rain in the region, most notably the influx of warm, moisture-laden air from the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as upper-level moisture from the Arabian Sea. These factors create an ideal environment for raincloud development when other supportive weather conditions are present.

He added that heat buildup and orographic lifting play a key role in pushing warm air upward, while wind convergence further enhances rising air currents. Combined with available moisture, these factors boost the formation and activity of thunderclouds, helping explain the heavy rainfall and frequent lightning Jazan is experiencing at this time of year.

Mashhoor confirmed that the heavy rains seen in the region this October are within the usual patterns of its climate cycles. He noted that several governorates are affected, with the Tihama areas among the most impacted, depending on cloud distribution, rainfall intensity, and local terrain.

According to Mashhoor and the latest updates from the National Center for Meteorology, rain chances are expected to increase across parts of Jazan through the rest of October and into November, making it important for residents to monitor weather updates, especially with the potential for renewed thunderstorms and heavy downpours in some locations.

Jazan has already recorded significant rainfall in recent days, with scattered showers on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and a recorded 33.7 mm of rain on Wednesday, October 7, according to previous reports from the National Center for Meteorology. The data showed Jazan leading the Kingdom in rainfall totals that day.

As the rainy weather continues, water has flowed through numerous valleys and streams, while mountain peaks have been shrouded in fog and thick clouds. Photographs have highlighted Jazan’s diverse geography, from mountain summits to agricultural plains and coastal areas, offering a vivid tableau of heavy rain and natural beauty.

The significance of this rainfall goes beyond its scenic impact, supporting water resources, renewing stream flows, and enhancing natural vegetation and grazing lands. Infiltrating water may also help recharge groundwater reserves, depending on soil, rock types, and available water volumes.

Despite the optimism for a productive rainy season, risks remain, particularly from flash floods, downdrafts, and lightning. A previous report recorded downdraft wind speeds of 130 kilometers per hour—a figure that requires careful verification of its source and timing before generalizing about the region’s weather.

Authorities stress the importance of following guidance from the National Center for Meteorology and Civil Defense, avoiding valleys, flood channels, and water accumulations, and not attempting to cross flooded roads to protect lives and property.

Amid heavy rain, powerful thunderclouds, and stunning natural scenes, Jazan continues to experience remarkable autumn weather. As the region awaits further developments in the coming weeks, hopes are high for more beneficial rain to support water resources and revive the land, with safety and adherence to official warnings remaining as vital as the beauty of the rainy landscape.