Heavy rains hit Saudi Arabia for 6 days... and warnings of flash floods
Starting Saturday, December 6, 2025, Saudi Arabia is experiencing widespread rainfall, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting moderate to heavy thunderstorms across most regions of the Kingdom. This weather system is accompanied by official warnings of potential flash floods and hail, prompting authorities to mobilize to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Details of the rainfall situation and its timeline
The National Center of Meteorology explained that the rainy weather system will continue for six consecutive days, until Thursday, December 11, 2025. This system is characterized by its wide geographical area and the numerous accompanying weather phenomena, with rainfall amounts ranging from 10 to 50 mm per hour, and potentially exceeding this in some locations. It will be accompanied by downdrafts that may reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, which could lead to dust storms and high waves in coastal areas.
Rainfall map for regions
According to weather reports, the impact of the rainy weather is distributed as follows:
- Tabuk region: Heavy rains are expected, intensifying in Haql, Neom and Al-Bada, and extending to include the city of Tabuk, Duba, Tayma, Al-Wajh and Umluj until the middle of the week.
- Medina: Rainfall will begin on Sunday and will include Al-Ula, Yanbu, Badr and Al-Ais, and will extend to Medina, Khaybar, Al-Hanakiya and Al-Mahd.
- Makkah region: It will be affected by moderate to heavy rains, including the Holy City, Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh, and later extending to Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah.
- Riyadh and the Eastern Province: The Riyadh region will experience moderate rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday, including the capital and the northern and western provinces, while the Eastern Province (Hafar Al-Batin and Al-Khafji) will experience moderate to heavy rainfall.
- Northern and southern regions: Heavy rains are expected in Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders and Hail, while Asir, Jazan and Al-Baha are experiencing moderate to heavy rains.
Climate context and environmental importance
This rainfall is part of the typical weather fluctuations experienced by the Arabian Peninsula during winter, as the region is affected by low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or extending from the Red Sea trough. These rains are of significant environmental and local importance, as they contribute to replenishing groundwater reserves and irrigating vegetation and natural pastures, promising a bountiful spring season.
Despite the environmental benefits, heavy rainfall over short periods of time can pose a challenge to infrastructure in some areas, requiring concerted government efforts to manage rainwater drainage and reduce the risks of flash floods, especially in low-lying areas and valley bottoms.
Civil Defense warnings and safety guidelines
In a related context, the General Directorate of Civil Defense stressed the need to take precautions and urged everyone to adhere to the following instructions:
- Stay completely away from flood channels, valleys, and water swamps.
- Do not risk crossing valleys while they are flowing, regardless of the water level.
- Stay in safe places during heavy rain and strong winds.
- Follow the media and official weather and civil defense accounts for real-time updates.
The directorate confirmed its full readiness to deal with any emergency resulting from this rainy weather, noting that coordination is in place with all relevant authorities to ensure a rapid response and protect lives and property.
