Thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia: Weather forecast until next Saturday
Most regions of Saudi Arabia are expected to experience rainfall starting Monday, March 23, and continuing until Saturday, March 28. According to reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology, the intensity of this weather system will range from light to moderate to heavy. These forecasts confirm the possibility of thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia, accompanied by several weather phenomena that require caution and vigilance from citizens and residents, as well as adherence to official guidelines.
Seasonal weather fluctuations in the Kingdom's climate
The transitional periods between seasons in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly spring, are characterized by sharp weather fluctuations and periods of atmospheric instability. Historically, these periods are the most active in terms of the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which lead to varying levels of rainfall. The diverse topography of the Kingdom plays a significant role in the variation in rainfall amounts, with the mountainous highlands of the southwest receiving larger quantities compared to the interior desert regions. These cyclical climatic variations contribute significantly to the replenishment of water resources and the revitalization of vegetation across the various regions.
Impact of the rainy weather on the northern and western regions
The National Center for Meteorology explained that the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, and the Northern Borders will be affected by moderate to heavy thunderstorms from Monday, March 23, to Thursday, March 26. This includes the governorates of Tayma, Neom, Duba, Al-Wajh, Umluj, Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Arar, and Tarif. In the Madinah region, the affected areas include Yanbu, Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Ais, Wadi Al-Fara, and Badr, with the heaviest rainfall expected from Wednesday evening through Thursday, later extending to Al-Mahd and Al-Hanakiya.
In the Makkah region, the governorates of Jeddah, Khulais, Bahrah, and Rabigh will experience light to moderate rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, turning heavy on Thursday. The weather system also includes the Holy City of Makkah, Taif, Al Qunfudhah, Al Lith, Maysan, Adham, Al Ardiyat, Turabah, Al Khurmah, and Ranyah.
Rain continues in the southern highlands
In the Al-Baha and Asir regions, rain will continue from Monday to Friday in Al-Baha and until Saturday in Asir, ranging from moderate to heavy, with the possibility of intensification by mid-week. This includes Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Makhwah, Al-Namas, Muhayil Asir, Khamis Mushait, Abha, Bisha, and Dhahran Al-Janoub. The Jazan region will also be affected by moderate to heavy rain, intensifying on Thursday and Friday, including Al-Raith, Haroub, Fifa, Al-Ardah, Al-Harth, Jizan, Sabya, Abu Arish, Samtah, Al-Tuwal, and Farasan. In Najran, the weather system will begin light to moderate and intensify again, becoming heavy by the end of the week.
Weather forecast for the capital and the eastern region
The Riyadh region is experiencing light to moderate rain from Monday to Wednesday, including the capital and the governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma'ah, Ad-Diriyah, Ad-Dilam, Al-Kharj, Afif, and Ad-Dawadmi. The rain will intensify to heavy levels on Thursday and Friday, extending to Wadi Ad-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj. The Qassim region will also be affected by similar rainfall, intensifying on Thursday and affecting Buraydah, Ar-Rass, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Mudhnib, An-Nabhaniah, Al-Asyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur. In the Eastern Province, the weather system will affect Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, An-Nu'ayriyah, and Al-Ahsa, with heavy rain expected to continue until Friday.
Impact of thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia on vital sectors
Thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia are of paramount importance and have a positive impact at both the local and regional levels, directly contributing to supporting the agricultural sector and bolstering strategic reserves of groundwater and dams. On the other hand, this weather event necessitates the mobilization of relevant authorities, such as civil defense and municipalities, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and prevent water accumulation in valleys and low-lying areas.
The report indicated that the rainy weather may be accompanied by strong downdrafts causing dust storms, flash floods, hail, and high waves along the coasts, with the possibility of tornadoes or waterspouts forming in some areas. Therefore, everyone is advised to follow the continuous updates through official early warning channels to ensure public safety.
