Details of the thunderstorm situation in Saudi Arabia until Friday
The National Center for Meteorology announced its forecast of continued thunderstorms across Saudi Arabia, varying in intensity and impact across a wide range of regions. This unstable weather pattern is expected to last from Monday, April 6th to Friday, April 10th, 2026. These storms will be accompanied by several weather phenomena, most notably dust storms, hail, and the possibility of flash floods in some valleys and low-lying areas.
Climate nature and typical weather fluctuations
These forecasts come within the context of the transitional periods experienced by the Arabian Peninsula's climate, as the Kingdom historically witnesses sharp weather fluctuations during seasonal changes. Geographical features play a pivotal role in shaping these phenomena. The Sarawat Mountains, extending across the southwestern region, act as natural barriers to the moist winds coming from the Red Sea, leading to cloud condensation and more frequent, heavier rainfall compared to other areas. This typical climatic pattern explains the expected heavy rainfall in the southern highlands.
Thunderstorm rainfall map in Saudi Arabia and its effects
The weather report detailed the weather conditions across various regions, predicting light to moderate rain in the Eastern Province, including the cities of Dammam, Khobar, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, Al-Ahsa, Al-Nairiyah, Hafr Al-Batin, and Khafji, on Wednesday and Thursday. In contrast, the southwestern regions will be most affected by the rain, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in the Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha regions. This forecast includes several governorates in Jazan, such as Ahad Al-Masarihah, Samtah, Abu Arish, Sabya, Baysh, and Al-Darb. It also extends to Muhayil Asir, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Al-Namas, Balqarn, and Bisha in the Asir region, as well as Al-Baha governorates such as Al-Makhwah, Al-Hajrah, Qalwah, Ghamid Al-Zanad, Baljurashi, and Al-Aqiq.
The impact of rainfall on infrastructure and public life
These weather changes are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels. On the positive side, these rains contribute to bolstering the Kingdom's strategic water reserves by filling dams and support vegetation and the agricultural sector, which is a vital part of the local economy. On the other hand, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods necessitate the activation of local emergency plans to protect infrastructure and ensure the safety of land and air navigation. The Kingdom is continuously working to develop early warning systems in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to guarantee quality of life and environmental safety.
Weather forecast for Mecca, Riyadh, and Najran
The report indicated that rainfall may increase on Thursday and Friday in the aforementioned areas, with the possibility of hail and high waves along the coasts. The weather system includes the Makkah region, where moderate to heavy rain is expected in Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah at various times between Tuesday and Friday. In the Najran region, similar rainfall is expected in the governorates of Najran, Badr Al-Janoub, Habuna, Yadmah, Thar, and Khubash, while Sharurah will experience light to moderate rain. The Riyadh region will see moderate to heavy rain in Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj, while light to moderate rain is expected in Ad-Dawadmi, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, the capital city of Riyadh, and the governorates of Al-Kharj, Al-Majma'ah, Az-Zulfi, Shaqra, Dhurma, and Al-Muzahmiyah.
The effects extend to northern regions, and weather warnings are issued
The rainy weather system will extend, to a lesser extent, to the Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, and Northern Borders regions, where light rain is expected in cities such as Buraidah, Unaizah, Hail, Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Tabuk, Arar, and Tarif on various days throughout the week. This system may be accompanied by downdrafts reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h in some areas. In this regard, the National Center of Meteorology and Environmental Protection urged all citizens and residents to exercise caution and follow weather reports and warnings issued through its official website, the "Anwaa" application, and its social media accounts, especially in areas prone to heavy rain and flash floods.
