Rainfall in Saudi Arabia: Mecca records 13.4 mm and details for 6 regions

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture issued its daily report monitoring rainfall across various regions of Saudi Arabia. Six administrative regions experienced weather fluctuations and varying intensities of rainfall over the past 24 hours. The Makkah region recorded the highest rainfall, reflecting the active weather conditions affecting the western, central, and eastern highlands.

Details of rainfall amounts in regions and cities

According to the hydrological and climatological monitoring network, which includes 37 active monitoring stations, the following amounts were recorded in the areas affected by the rainfall event:

• Makkah Region: Al-Quray’ Bani Malik Center in Maysan Governorate recorded the highest amount of rainfall in the Kingdom at 13.4 mm, while Al-Uwaylah in Ranyah recorded 0.9 mm, and both Ranyah and Haddad Bani Malik in Taif recorded 0.6 mm.
• Al-Baha region: It came in second place, where Al-Baher area recorded 12.6 mm, Shabraqa 1.2 mm, Bani Hassan 1.0 mm, and Bal-Khazmar in Al-Mandaq 0.7 mm.
• Asir region: Afraa in Balqarn recorded 8.4 mm, Badwa Dam in Al-Namas recorded 6.2 mm, and King Faisal Road in Al-Namas recorded 4.8 mm.
• Eastern Province: Hafr Al-Batin Air Base recorded 3.6 mm, King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran recorded 3.2 mm, and Salwa recorded 2.0 mm.
• Al-Qassim region: Al-Fawilq recorded 2.8 mm in Al-Bukairiyah, and Quba in Al-Asyah 1.0 mm.
• Riyadh region: King Abdullah neighborhood recorded 2.0 mm, Al-Zulfi 1.8 mm, and Al-Andalus neighborhood in Al-Ghat 1.4 mm.

The role of monitoring stations in water resources management

rainfall monitoring is a central component of the Kingdom's water resources management strategy. The Ministry relies on a vast network of hydrological and climatological stations spread across all regions. These stations not only measure rainfall but also analyze climate data, which contributes to flood forecasting and dam management. This data plays a crucial role in guiding farmers and determining optimal planting seasons, particularly in rain-fed areas such as the highlands of Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif.

Environmental and economic impact of rainfall events

These rains represent a vital source of groundwater and surface water in the Kingdom. In mountainous regions, the resulting flash floods contribute to replenishing dams, such as the Badwa Dam in Al-Namas mentioned in the report, thus bolstering the strategic water reserves. Environmentally, the consistent rainfall helps improve vegetation cover and combat desertification, aligning with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative. Furthermore, the distribution of rainfall between coastal regions like the Eastern Province and central regions like Riyadh and Al-Qassim contributes to moderating the climate and lowering temperatures, positively impacting the quality of life and outdoor activities for residents.