Over the past 24 hours, Saudi Arabia experienced widespread rainfall across eight administrative regions. Official reports indicate varying amounts of precipitation, promising a good agricultural season and replenishing the country's groundwater reserves. The Qassim region recorded the highest rainfall, reflecting the intensity of the weather system that affected the central region.
Al-Qassim leads the way, and Buraidah records the highest number
According to data from monitoring stations, the Qassim region recorded the highest rainfall, with the city of Buraidah receiving 22.4 mm. Rainfall was not limited to the region's administrative capital but extended to other governorates, with varying amounts recorded in Unaizah (18.5 mm), Al Bukayriyah (17.5 mm), and Ash Shamasiyah (16.4 mm). Stations also recorded 15.8 mm in Al Muthnib, 15.3 mm at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport, 15.1 mm in Riyadh Al Khabra, and 14.5 mm in Al Badai and Uyun Al Jawa.
Rainfall details in Riyadh, Hail, and the Eastern Province
The daily report from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, based on readings from 75 hydrological and climatological monitoring stations, indicated that the Riyadh region experienced significant rainfall. The highest recorded amounts were 22.0 mm in both Al-Alqa and Rawdat Al-Sabla in Al-Zulfi, and 19.0 mm in Al-Zulfi city itself. Rainfall amounts in other governorates and districts ranged from 18.0 mm in Al-Batin Al-Janoubi to 7.6 mm in Al-Nazeem district of the capital, and as low as 4.2 mm in Al-Tuwaiqi in Rumah.
In the Hail region, Al-Shamli recorded the highest rainfall at 7.3 mm, followed by neighborhoods in Hail city with an average of 4.3 mm. In the Eastern Province, Al-Rafiah in Qaryat Al-Ulya recorded 6.2 mm, with light to moderate rainfall in Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Nu'ayriyah.
Environmental and economic importance of rainfall patterns
These rains are of paramount strategic importance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as they directly contribute to bolstering water security. The Qassim and Riyadh regions are among the Kingdom's most important food baskets, and agriculture in these areas relies heavily on groundwater replenished by such rainy seasons. This rainfall helps irrigate farms, cleanse the soil of salts, and raise the water level in shallow wells, positively impacting the production of dates and winter crops.
Monitoring network and accuracy of climate data
The detailed report reflects the accuracy and efficiency of the climate and hydrological monitoring network managed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. This monitoring covers a wide area, including the Northern Borders region, which recorded 2.4 mm of rainfall in Umm Khansar, and the Tabuk region, which recorded 4.4 mm in the King Salman Reserve, extending to Asir and Madinah. This precise data contributes to improved urban planning, dam management, and guidance for farmers, in addition to its vital role in early warning systems for flood protection.
Those interested and specialists can view more details and updated data on rainfall amounts in all regions of the Kingdom by visiting the official link of the Ministry.
