Weather warning: Thunderstorms to continue in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed weather report warning of continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms across most regions of Saudi Arabia, starting tomorrow, Monday, May 4th, and continuing until Friday, May 8th. These forecasts are part of a series of weather fluctuations the country experiences during this time of year.
Map of areas covered by weather forecasts
The report indicated that the Asir region, which includes Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Al-Harjah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Tarib, Al-Farsha, Bishah, Tathlith, Al-Namas, Tanomah, Rijal Alma, Bariq, Muhayil Asir, Al-Majardah, Balqarn, and Al-Amwah, will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall during the aforementioned period. The Jazan region (Al-Raith, Haroub, Al-Dayer, Al-Aydabi, Fayfa, Al-Ardah, and Al-Harth) and the Al-Baha region (Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, and Al-Aqiq) will also experience similarly intense rainfall.
In the Makkah region, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the areas of Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah from Monday to Friday, while Taif, Maysan, and Adham will experience similar conditions from Tuesday to Friday. The capital, Riyadh, will see light to moderate rainfall in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj from Monday to Wednesday, while Afif, Ad-Dawadmi, Al-Quway'iyah, Marat, Al-Ghat, Az-Zulfi, Al-Majma'ah, Shaqra, Thadiq, and Ar-Rin will be affected from Tuesday to Friday.
The center also revealed forecasts for the Qassim and Hail regions, predicting moderate rainfall on Monday, with rain resuming from Wednesday to Friday, and a warning of potentially heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. In Medina, Al-Mahd and Al-Hanakiya will be affected by moderate to heavy rain (Tuesday-Friday), while Medina city, Wadi Al-Fara, and Khaybar will experience rain that may become heavy on Friday. The weather system extends to Tabuk (Tayma), Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders region, and parts of the Eastern Province (Hafar Al-Batin and Al-Khafji), with varying intensities of rain.
Spring climate and typical weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
This weather pattern is consistent with Saudi Arabia's climatic records during the spring season. Historically, this period is known for its rapid weather fluctuations, locally referred to as the Sarayat season, where warm, humid air masses from the south meet cold upper-level troughs. This temperature contrast leads to the formation of high-altitude cumulonimbus clouds, explaining the heavy rainfall and hail experienced in the mountainous and inland regions. These climatic phenomena are an integral part of the annual weather cycle that the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula have been accustomed to for decades.
The impact of continued thunderstorms on resources and the environment
have The continued thunderstorms significant positive implications both locally and regionally. Environmentally and agriculturally, these heavy rains contribute to irrigating the terraced fields in Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan, thus boosting local crop yields. They also play a vital role in raising groundwater levels and replenishing strategic dams across the Kingdom, ensuring sustainable water security during the hot summer months. Regionally, these rains support increased vegetation cover and combat desertification, directly aligning with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Safety guidelines and official warnings
The report included strong warnings about the phenomena accompanying these rains, including expected downdrafts carrying dust and sand with speeds ranging from 50 to 60 km/h, which could lead to reduced horizontal visibility. The center also warned of flash floods in valleys and ravines, hail, and high waves along the coasts. The National Center of Meteorology stressed the importance of following reports and warnings issued through official channels and the weather alert application, urging everyone to take precautions and stay away from flood channels to ensure the safety of lives and property.
