Heavy thunderstorms expected in Saudi Arabia: Weather forecast details until Tuesday
Most regions of Saudi Arabia are bracing for a widespread wave of unstable weather, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting thunderstorms . This active weather system is expected to begin tomorrow, Friday, and continue until Tuesday, March 6-10, 2026, with warnings urging caution.
Climate context and seasonal variations
This weather pattern occurs during the transitional period between winter and spring, a time that typically sees significant activity in upper-level and surface low-pressure systems affecting the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, this period is characterized by rapid and sharp weather fluctuations, known locally as "Sarayat" at certain times, during which cumulonimbus clouds form quickly and are accompanied by strong downdrafts.
These rains are of great environmental importance, as they contribute to irrigating the desert vegetation and enhancing the groundwater supply. However, at the same time, they may pose a potential danger in the form of flash floods and water accumulation in low-lying areas, which requires a rapid response from the authorities concerned with infrastructure and public safety.
Details of the rainfall situation in Mecca and Medina
The National Center for Meteorology explained in its detailed report that the Madinah region will be affected by the rainy weather on Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, including Madinah, Al-Hanakiya, Al-Mahd, and Wadi Al-Fara’ with intensity ranging from light to moderate.
Regarding the Makkah region, the report indicated that the weather system would affect the Holy City, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, and Bahrah on Friday and Saturday with light to moderate intensity, while extending to Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah from Friday to Sunday, March 8. The center also noted an increase in the intensity of thunderstorms , becoming moderate to heavy in Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah from Friday to Sunday, before becoming light to moderate on Monday and Tuesday.
Thunderstorms in the southern highlands
The center noted that the Al-Baha region will be affected in Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Qalwa, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, Al-Makhwah, Al-Hajrah, Ghamid Al-Zanad and Al-Aqiq with moderate to heavy rain from Friday to Sunday, with the rainfall continuing with less intensity on Monday and Tuesday.
In the same context, the Asir region is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall from Friday to Sunday in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Al-Harajah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Al-Namas, Tanomah, Rijal Alma, Bariq, Muhayil Asir, Al-Majardah, Balqarn, Bisha, Al-Amwah, Tathlith, Tarib, and Al-Farshah. The Jazan region will also experience similar rainfall across most of its governorates, including mountainous and coastal areas.
The impact extends to Riyadh and the Eastern Province
The center further explained that the Riyadh region's governorates, including Afif, Dawadmi, Al-Quway'iyah, Ar-Rin, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj, will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall from Friday to Sunday. Light to moderate rain is also expected in the capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates.
In the Eastern Province, the center indicated that light to moderate rain would affect Dammam, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Khobar, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Abqaiq, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Al-Ahsa, and Al-Udayd on Saturday and Sunday. The Hail, Qassim, and Northern Borders regions will also be affected by varying intensities of rain over the weekend.
Expected effects and safety measures
The center noted the phenomena accompanying this weather system, stating that light rain may include downdrafts that stir up dust and sand, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, which could reduce horizontal visibility on highways. In cases of moderate to heavy rain, the center warned that it will be accompanied by downdrafts reaching speeds of 60 km/h or more, along with flash floods, hail, and high waves along the coasts.
The center called on everyone to follow the reports and real-time warnings through its official website and the “Anwaa” application, and to adhere to the Civil Defense instructions to stay away from valleys and flood channels during rainfall in order to preserve public safety.
