Saudi Arabia weather forecast: Rainy summer with a slight rise in temperature
The National Center for Meteorology issued its comprehensive climate report, which details the weather forecast for Saudi Arabia for the coming months (May, June, and July) of 2026. This report includes accurate climate indicators for all regions of the Kingdom, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance early preparedness and support relevant authorities with the necessary climate information to take proactive preventive measures.
Climate change and its impact on Saudi Arabia's weather forecasts
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been known for its hot, dry summers, but recent years have witnessed significant shifts in climatic patterns. These changes, partly attributed to global climatic phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, have led to an increase in summer rainfall, particularly in the southwestern highlands. These shifts are playing a major role in reshaping the region's climate map, making it crucial to follow the National Center of Meteorology's periodic reports to understand and adapt to these rapid changes.
Heavy rainfall exceeding normal levels in May
The detailed report indicated that above-average rainfall is expected during May across large parts of the Jazan, Asir (excluding its eastern regions), Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. The intensity of this rainfall will range from heavy to very heavy. Above-average rainfall is also expected in parts of the Madinah (excluding its northern regions), Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh (excluding its southern regions), the northern part of the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders region, with intensity ranging from moderate to heavy.
Rainfall amounts varied during June and July
The report indicated that June will, God willing, see above-average rainfall in parts of Jazan, western Asir, and southern Makkah, ranging from moderate to heavy. As for July, rainfall is expected to be around the average across most of the Kingdom, ranging from moderate to heavy, with the exception of parts of southern and southeastern Eastern Province, eastern and southern Najran, Jazan, western Asir, western Al-Baha, and parts of southern and northern Makkah, where it is expected to be below average.
A slight rise in temperatures
Regarding temperatures, the report indicated that average temperatures are expected to be above normal across most regions of the Kingdom, with varying degrees of increase. The maximum increase is expected to reach approximately one degree Celsius (1°C) in parts of southwestern Makkah, western Al-Baha, western Asir, and northern Jazan.
The strategic importance of early detection and its regional impact
These forecasts are of paramount importance both locally and regionally. Locally, this data supports vital sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, and domestic tourism, in addition to assisting civil defense teams in developing emergency plans to address potential flash floods. Regionally, the accuracy of monitoring in the Kingdom has a positive impact on neighboring countries, given the interconnected weather systems in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's ongoing investment in advanced meteorological technologies enhances the region's overall resilience to climate change, thereby mitigating the economic and human losses associated with extreme weather events.
