The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued an advanced warning of a widespread rain system expected to affect most regions of the Kingdom, starting Friday, April 24, and continuing until Tuesday, April 28. The forecast indicates moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by strong downdrafts that may exceed 60 km/h, leading to dust storms and a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines, hail, and high waves along the coasts.
The climatic context of spring in Saudi Arabia
This rainy spell occurs during a well-known climatic transitional period in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically during spring (April and May), known locally as the "Sarayat" or "Marawih" period. This period is characterized by sharp and rapid weather fluctuations resulting from the convergence of different air masses. Warm, humid air masses advance from the south and collide with colder air masses coming from the north. This collision leads to a state of extreme atmospheric instability, creating ideal conditions for the formation of massive cumulonimbus clouds that cause heavy rainfall over a short period, often accompanied by violent weather phenomena such as strong downdrafts and hail.
Importance and expected effects of the weather conditions
Locally, these rains are of great importance to the agricultural sector, groundwater reserves, and dams in the Kingdom, as they contribute to the revitalization of vegetation and natural pastures. However, they pose a significant challenge to public safety and infrastructure. The heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash floods, posing a risk to roads and low-lying areas. Based on these forecasts, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Ministry of Transport, are raising their level of preparedness and issuing continuous warnings to citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from valleys and floodplains, and drive carefully on the roads.
Details of expected rainfall by region
Hail, Qassim and Riyadh regions
The center expects moderate to heavy rainfall in the Hail region, including the city of Hail and the governorates of Al-Ghazalah, Ash-Shamli, Al-Hait, Ash-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, As-Sulaimi, and Muwaqq. In the Qassim region, the expected rainfall includes the governorates of Ash-Shamasiyah, Al-Mudhnib, Al-Jawa, Al-Badai, Uyun Al-Jawa, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Khabra, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Buraydah, Unayzah, Al-Asyah, Abanan, Ar-Rass, Uqlat As-Suqur, An-Nabhaniah, and Dhariyah. In the Riyadh region, the forecast includes Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, Ad-Diriyah, Al-Quway'iyah, Al-Muzahmiyah, Ad-Dilam, Riyadh city, and Rumah, in addition to the governorates of Al-Majma'ah, Az-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Quway'iyah, Ad-Dawadimi, Afif, Ar-Rayn, Marat, Dhurma, Shaqra, Thadiq, and Huraymila.
Makkah and Madinah region
In the Makkah region, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the governorates of Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah, and may extend to include Taif, Maysan, and Adham. In the Madinah region, the weather system will affect the governorates of Al-Mahd, Al-Hanakiya, Wadi Al-Fara, as well as Madinah and Khaybar.
Northern and Eastern regions
The Northern Borders region is affected by moderate to heavy rain in Tarif, Arar, Rafha, and Al-Uwaiqilah. In the Al-Jawf region, the affected areas include Qurayyat, Tabuk, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Sakaka. In the Eastern Province, the forecast includes Al-Ulya, Al-Nairiyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Hafr Al-Batin, and Al-Khafji with moderate to heavy rain, while Dammam, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Khobar, Abqaiq, and Al-Ahsa are expected to receive light to moderate rain.
Southwestern regions
Rain is expected in the regions of Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. In Al-Baha, the rain will affect Al-Baha city, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, and Al-Aqiq. In Asir, the rain will affect Tarib, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Al-Harjah, Asiran, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Abha, Al-Majardah, Mahayil, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Tanomah, Al-Namas, Tathlith, Bisha, Al-Farsha, Balqarn, and Al-Amwah. In Jazan, the rain will affect the governorates of Al-Raith, Haroub, Al-Dayer, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Al-Ardah, and Al-Harth. Finally, in Najran, rain is expected in Najran city and the governorates of Badr Al-Janoub, Habuna, Yadmah, Thar, and Khubash.
