Heavy thunderstorms are expected across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday
Introduction to the expected weather conditions
Most regions of Saudi Arabia are preparing for widespread rainfall, with the country expected to experience thunderstorms of varying intensity, ranging from moderate to heavy. These weather fluctuations are forecast to begin on Wednesday, March 11 (corresponding to Ramadan 22) and continue until Sunday, March 15 (corresponding to Ramadan 26). This forecast is based on the latest reports from the National Center of Meteorology, which is closely monitoring the development of thunderstorms and wind patterns.
Climate context and local and regional impact
Historically, the transitional periods between seasons, particularly during March, are among the times of most severe weather fluctuations in the Arabian Peninsula, known locally as "Sarayat" or spring disturbances. This rainfall pattern is of great local importance; it directly contributes to raising groundwater levels, replenishing dams, and supporting vegetation and natural pastures, aligning with the environmental goals of the "Saudi Green Initiative." It also has a regional impact, moderating temperatures and mitigating the sandstorms that are common at this time of year.
Rainfall details for western and southern regions
The National Center for Meteorology explained that the Madinah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall in the governorates of Al Mahd and Al Hanakiyah on Wednesday and Thursday. In the Makkah region, light rain is expected in the Holy City, Al Jumum, Bahrah, and Al Kamil during the same two days. Meanwhile, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Turabah, Al Muwayh, Al Khurmah, and Ranyah will experience heavy rain that will gradually become light to moderate from Friday through Sunday.
In the southern sector, the Al-Baha region (Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, Al-Aqiq) and the Asir region (Al-Namas, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Al-Harjah, Sarat Abidah, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Abha, Tanomah, Bariq, Balqarn, Bisha, Tathlith, Al-Farshah, Al-Amwah, Tarib) will be affected by moderate to heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday, continuing less intensely until Sunday. The Jazan region will also experience moderate rain, while the Najran region will see light to moderate rainfall.
Impact of the situation on the central, eastern, and northern regions
In the heart of the Kingdom, the Riyadh region is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday, affecting the capital and the governorates of Zulfi, Ghat, Shaqra, Marat, Dhurma, Muzahmiya, Dilam, Ar-Rin, Al-Quway'iyah, Ad-Dawadmi, Afif, Rumah, Ad-Diriyah, Huraymila, Thadiq, Al-Majma'ah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, and Al-Kharj. Moderate rainfall is expected in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj. Heavy rain is also forecast to extend to the Qassim and Hail regions.
To the east, heavy rain is expected in Hafr al-Batin and Khafji, including Abqaiq, Qaryat al-Ulya, Nairyah, Khobar, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Jubail, Dammam, Al-Udayd, and Al-Ahsa. To the north, the Northern Borders region (Arar, Rafha, Tarif, and Al-Uwayqilah), Al-Jawf region, and Tabuk region will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, particularly over the weekend.
Accompanying phenomena and weather warnings
The center warned that this rainy weather system may be accompanied by severe weather phenomena, including strong surface winds that will stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility, hail, and flash floods in valleys and ravines. High waves are also expected along the coasts, with the possibility of tornadoes or waterspouts forming in some exceptional cases.
The National Center for Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense called on all citizens and residents to take precautions, stay away from valleys and flood channels, and follow weather updates and warnings through official channels and the “Anwaa” application to ensure public safety during this period.
