Riyadh records highest rainfall in Saudi Arabia: Ministry of Environment report
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced details of the rainfall that affected various regions of the Kingdom over the past 24 hours. The Ministry's hydrological and climatological monitoring network recorded varying intensities of rainfall across 11 different administrative regions. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather patterns and their impact on water resources and vegetation cover in the country.
Riyadh leads the rain scene
According to data from 150 monitoring stations across the Kingdom, the Riyadh region topped the list of areas receiving the most rainfall. The Shaqra governorate, specifically in Al-Huraiq, recorded the highest rainfall amount at 47.0 mm. Rainfall was not limited to Shaqra; it also included carob farms in Shaqra and the Al-Andalus neighborhood in Al-Ghat (34.0 mm), the King Khalid Reserve (24.2 mm), as well as Tamir in Al-Majma'ah, Al-Jubailah in Ad-Diriyah, and other locations, indicating a promising season for groundwater in the central region.
Rainfall details in the southern and eastern regions
The Asir region witnessed heavy rainfall, replenishing dams and agricultural terraces. The Rijal Alma'a governorate recorded 41.0 mm, followed by Balsamar in Abha with 32.2 mm. Rainfall amounts varied in Tanomah, Al-Zahraa district of Abha, and Sarat Abidah, reflecting the region's mountainous terrain, which attracts cumulonimbus clouds.
In the Eastern Province, Al-Qadisiyah neighborhood in Dammam recorded 33.4 mm, while Jubail and King Fahd International Airport witnessed varying amounts exceeding 25 mm, which contributes to moderating the atmosphere and supporting vegetation cover in coastal and inland areas.
Rainfall distribution in other regions
Rainfall extended to the Jazan region, where the Border Guard Command recorded 20.4 mm, and to the Makkah region, which saw rain in Al-Qunfudhah and Al-Ardiyat. The Al-Baha, Al-Qassim, Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Hail, and Tabuk regions also received varying amounts of rain, all of which were accurately recorded by monitoring stations.
The strategic and environmental importance of rainfall
These rainfalls are of paramount importance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as they directly contribute to water security by replenishing shallow and deep aquifers. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is working to utilize rainwater and floodwater through a wide network of dams and reservoirs to maximize its use in agriculture and increase green spaces, in line with the objectives of the "Saudi Green Initiative.".
Evolution of the climate monitoring system
The detailed report issued by the Ministry reflects the significant development in the Kingdom's climate monitoring infrastructure. The presence of 150 hydrological and climatological monitoring stations operating around the clock enables relevant authorities to make informed decisions regarding water resource management, public safety, and early warning systems, thus enhancing the efficiency of responding to various rainfall events.
