Rainfall was recorded in 5 regions, with Mecca leading with 47 mm
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recorded rainfall across five major regions of Saudi Arabia, according to its daily rainfall report. The Makkah region was the most affected, recording the highest rainfall amounts, reflecting significant atmospheric activity during the monitoring period.
Details of the rainfall report in the Kingdom's regions
The official report, based on a wide network of hydrological and climatological monitoring stations, indicated that 23 stations recorded rainfall amounts from 9:00 AM on Friday until 9:00 AM the following day. The rainfall affected the regions of Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Asir, and Al-Baha. Specifically, the highest rainfall was recorded in the Mecca region, reaching 47 mm in the Al-Quray' Bani Malik area of Maysan Governorate, followed by 30.3 mm in Haddad Bani Malik in Taif, and 7 mm in Al-Marqaban in Adham Governorate.
In the remaining regions, the Riyadh region recorded 2.8 mm of rainfall in Halban Al-Quway'iyah, while the Madinah region saw 4 mm in Al-Ruwaidah and 0.6 mm in Al-Sulhaniyah in Al-Mahd. In the southern regions, the Asir region recorded 1.4 mm in Afraa in Balqarn and 0.8 mm in Wadi Al-Hajoun in Bishah. In the Al-Baha region, the Al-Baher station recorded 7.4 mm and the Shabraqah station recorded 4.8 mm.
Environmental and hydrological importance of rainfall events
is The rainfall of strategic importance, extending beyond mere weather patterns. These rains are a vital source of groundwater for the Kingdom. The rains, particularly in mountainous areas such as Makkah, Asir, and Al-Baha, contribute to raising water levels in dams and valleys, thus supporting the local agricultural sector and achieving sustainable development and food security goals. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is continuously working to develop rainwater harvesting mechanisms to maximize its use in replenishing groundwater and combating desertification.
The influence of topography and climate on rainfall distribution
The variation in recorded rainfall amounts across different regions is attributed to the diverse geography and topography of Saudi Arabia. It is noteworthy that areas within the Sarawat Mountains, such as the highlands of Makkah, Al-Baha, and Asir, typically receive the lion's share of rainfall due to topographical factors that facilitate cloud condensation and heavy precipitation, compared to plateau or desert regions like parts of the Riyadh region. This climatic diversity provides the Kingdom with varied natural environments and underscores the importance of continuously monitoring weather forecasts and observational reports to effectively manage different rainfall patterns.
