Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy rain expected in the Eastern Province and most regions until Thursday
Saudi Arabia is experiencing widespread atmospheric instability affecting most regions of the country, a recurring phenomenon during transitional and winter seasons. The National Center for Meteorology has revealed details of the expected rainfall, which will begin on Sunday and continue until next Thursday. These forecasts are part of the close monitoring conducted by relevant authorities to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, especially given the expanding area of affected regions, including the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, and others.
Climate context and the importance of weather conditions
This weather system is particularly significant due to its widespread nature and the heavy rainfall expected in some areas, promising a good rainy season that will contribute to irrigating the land and replenishing water reserves—a vital resource given the Kingdom's geography. These fluctuations are part of the typical weather patterns for this time of year, as the Arabian Peninsula is affected by low-pressure systems that bring thunderstorms. However, the warnings accompanying this system stem from the potential for flash flooding in valleys and wadis, necessitating heightened preparedness across various service sectors and civil defense.
Riyadh and Eastern Province weather forecast
Aqeel Al-Aqeel, a weather analyst at the National Center for Meteorology, explained in an exclusive statement to Al-Youm that the capital, Riyadh, will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall from Sunday to Wednesday (December 14-17, 2025). The weather system will also impact several other governorates, including Rumah, Al-Majma'ah, Al-Zulfi, and Al-Kharj, while southern Riyadh regions such as Wadi Al-Dawasir will experience lighter rainfall.
Regarding the Eastern Province , a vital industrial and residential region, forecasts indicate moderate to heavy rainfall, including in Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, and Nairyah. This weather pattern will extend to the major cities of Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, and Al-Ahsa until Thursday, December 18th, potentially impacting traffic and daily activities, and necessitating caution while driving.
Weather conditions in the western and northern regions
The forecast extends beyond the central and eastern regions to include the holy western areas. The Makkah region, including the holy city of Makkah, Jeddah, and Taif, will experience varying intensities of rain, reaching heavy levels in Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah. The Madinah region will also see heavy rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, encompassing Madinah, Yanbu, and Al-Ula.
In the north, the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders are affected by heavy rain and hail, especially in Tarif, Arar, and Sakaka, which are areas known for their topography that responds quickly to flash floods when heavy rains fall.
The south and the intensity of rainfall
In the southern highlands, Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan are experiencing heavy rainfall, including in Abha, Khamis Mushait, and the coastal and mountainous regions, which is expected to continue until the end of the week. Al-Aqeel provided detailed technical information regarding the intensity of the rainfall, defining heavy rain as that which exceeds 10 to 50 mm per hour, accompanied by downdrafts that can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, potentially leading to dust storms and high waves along the coast.
In conclusion, the National Center of Meteorology stressed the need to follow early warning platforms and official weather applications, and to stay away from valleys and flood channels during this period, to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoy the rainy weather without accidents.
