Rainy weather in Saudi Arabia: Heavy rain in most regions
Most regions of Saudi Arabia are experiencing significant weather fluctuations, with the National Center for Meteorology announcing a rainy spell expected to last for several days. This weather system will begin tomorrow, Friday, April 10th, and continue until Tuesday, April 14th, bringing varying intensities of rainfall, ranging from moderate to heavy, to a wide range of areas. These forecasts are based on reports from the General Directorate of Weather and Climate Forecasts, which indicate that the effects of this weather system will continue intermittently.
Details of the largest rainfall event in Saudi Arabia and its impact
The National Center for Meteorology explained that this rainy weather in Saudi Arabia will include the regions of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Qassim, and Madinah, with varying intensity of rainfall depending on the locations and time periods.
Rain in Mecca and the western and southern regions
The center indicated that the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall in the governorates of Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah, while the weather will intensify in Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat on Monday and Tuesday. Al-Qunfudhah and Al-Lith will also be affected by light to moderate rain. In Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, the meteorological department forecasts heavy rainfall including Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Fayfa, and Al-Raith, with the intensity increasing from Saturday until the end of the weather system. Rain will also extend to the Najran region and its governorates.
Weather in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the central and northern regions
In the capital, Riyadh, moderate to heavy rain is expected in Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj, intensifying on Sunday and Monday to include Riyadh, Ad-Diriyah, Al-Kharj, and Al-Muzahmiyah. In the Eastern Province, rain is expected in Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Dammam, Jubail, and Al-Ahsa. Light to moderate rain is also forecast for the Qassim region (Buraidah, Unaizah, Ar-Rass) and the Northern Borders region (Rafha and Al-Uwayqilah), as well as the Madinah region and its governorates, such as Al-Mahd, Khaybar, and Al-Ula.
Climate change and the Sarayat season in the Arabian Peninsula
These weather developments occur within a historically established climatic pattern in the Arabian Peninsula, where April coincides with what is known locally and regionally as the "Sarayat" season. This season is historically characterized by sharp and rapid weather fluctuations, during which cumulonimbus clouds form in the evenings, usually accompanied by strong downdrafts and sudden heavy rainfall. This climatic pattern is part of the natural shifts the region experiences during spring, as warm and cold air masses collide, creating atmospheric instability that the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula have historically relied upon for irrigating farms and filling wells.
Local and environmental impacts of spring rains
These spring rains are of paramount importance and have a wide-ranging positive impact at both the local and regional levels. Environmentally and agriculturally, these rainfalls contribute to enhancing vegetation cover, increasing groundwater levels, and supporting dams across the Kingdom, thus positively impacting the agricultural sector and natural pastures. Regionally, these successive rain events help to moderate the weather and lower temperatures before the onset of the harsh summer season.
Important warnings to ensure public safety
The National Center of Meteorology confirmed that this rainy weather system may be accompanied by strong downdrafts, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, causing dust storms and reduced horizontal visibility. The center also warned of potential flash floods, hail, and high waves along the coast, with the possibility of waterspouts. Relevant authorities, including the General Directorate of Civil Defense, urged all citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from valleys and floodplains, and follow the center's official platforms for regular updates to ensure their safety during this period.
