Maysan is at the forefront of the rainy season
The Makkah Region's Maysan Governorate recorded the highest rainfall across Saudi Arabia, reaching 54.8 mm in the Bani Saad district. This was during the monitoring period from 9:00 AM on Thursday to 9:00 AM on Friday. These precise figures were documented by 268 hydrological and climatological monitoring stations carefully distributed throughout the Kingdom, as part of the daily efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in continuous coordination with the National Center for Meteorology to monitor rainfall and accurately record precipitation amounts.
Distribution of rainfall amounts across the regions of the Kingdom
Daily data showed significant variations in rainfall amounts, with the Al-Baha region recording the second highest amount at 35.2 mm in the Barharah area of Al-Mandaq Governorate. This was followed by the Asir region with 35.0 mm in Al-Fawhah, Balqarn Governorate. In the Eastern Province, Al-Khafji Governorate recorded the highest rainfall at 32.9 mm.
The rainfall extended to other areas, with Al-Muthnib Governorate in the Qassim region recording 25.5 mm, while the highest amount in the Riyadh region was recorded in Shaqra Governorate at 23.5 mm. In the Madinah region, Wadi Al-Fara recorded 10.8 mm, reflecting the widespread nature of the rainfall and its positive impact on large areas of the country.
In the northern sector, Tabuk recorded 7.8 mm of rainfall in Rahib, while Arar Airport in the Northern Borders region recorded 5.5 mm. Rainfall in Miqwa, Tabarjal Governorate, Al-Jawf region, reached 4.6 mm. Hail region recorded 2.4 mm in Al-Shamli, and Najran region recorded 0.9 mm in Badr Al-Janoub, highlighting the subtle spatial variations observed by weather stations.
The climatic and historical context of rainfall in Saudi Arabia
Historically, Saudi Arabia is known for its arid desert climate across most of its regions. However, the western and southwestern highlands, such as Mecca, Al-Baha, and Asir, receive higher rainfall due to the mountainous terrain of the Sarawat Mountains, the influence of low-pressure systems, and the movement of monsoon winds. In recent years, a noticeable shift in climatic patterns has been observed across the Arabian Peninsula, with rainfall becoming more widespread and intense. Climate experts attribute this to global climate change, which has affected the paths of clouds and low-pressure systems in the region.
Strategic importance and expected impact
These rainfall events are of great importance on several levels. Locally, these heavy rains contribute to replenishing groundwater reservoirs and raising water levels in dams, directly supporting the agricultural sector, especially in areas that rely on rain-fed agriculture and mountain terraces. They also play a vital role in boosting domestic tourism, as the land becomes covered in vegetation and valleys and streams flow, attracting hikers and nature lovers.
Regionally and environmentally, the continuous rainfall aligns with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to increased green spaces, combating desertification, and improving air quality. The importance of the 24/7 hydrological and climatological monitoring system is highlighted, as it provides accurate field data to support decision-making, enhances the efficiency of water resource management, and improves the preparedness of relevant authorities to deal with any potential emergencies, thus ensuring the optimal utilization of rainwater and its allocation to serve the environment and society.
