Introduction to the rainfall situation in the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing seasonal weather fluctuations that bring with them tidings of bounty and blessings, as scattered rainfall has recently been recorded across 12 different regions. This rainfall is of paramount importance given the Kingdom's desert geography and climate, as it directly contributes to replenishing groundwater reservoirs, supporting the agricultural sector, and stimulating domestic tourism in the mountainous and desert regions that transform into lush greenery after the rainy season.
According to the daily report issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, which is based on accurate readings from 269 hydrological and climatic monitoring stations, rainfall amounts were documented during the past 24 hours in the following regions: Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Eastern Province, Qassim, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Borders, Najran, Al-Baha, and Al-Jawf.
Mecca is at the forefront of the rainy season
The Makkah region recorded the highest rainfall, with 54.8 mm in Bani Saad, Maysan Governorate. These highlands are among the most important agricultural and tourist areas, relying heavily on rainwater. Al-Quray' Bani Malik in Maysan also recorded 33.4 mm, followed by Qiya in Taif with 15.3 mm, and Haddad Bani Malik with 15.0 mm. Rain also fell in Al-Suwar in Taif (11.3 mm), Abu Marwa in Al-Khurmah (11.2 mm), Maysan (10.5 mm), Al-Ghurayf in Al-Khurmah (9.2 mm), the Al-Hada Ring Road (8.2 mm), Al-Hada Park, and Ghamiqah in Al-Lith (6.0 mm).
Impact of rainfall on the southern and western highlands
The southern and western highlands of the Kingdom are characterized by dense vegetation and terraced agriculture, which relies heavily on rainfall. In this context, the report indicated that the Al-Baha region recorded 35.2 mm of rainfall in Barharah, Al-Mandaq, 15.9 mm in Al-Nuzha district, and 6.5 mm at King Saud Airport in Al-Aqiq. Additionally, Al-Aqiq Dam recorded 5.8 mm, Wadi Khaitan in Baljurashi 5.2 mm, and Ghaleela in Qalwa 3.7 mm.
As for the Asir region, which is a prominent tourist destination thanks to its moderate weather, the amount of rainfall reached 35.0 mm in Al-Fawhah in Balqarn, 29.5 mm in King Faisal Road in Al-Namas, 22.6 mm in Afraa in Balqarn, in addition to 17.2 mm in Tabalah in Bisha and Al-Shifa neighborhood in Sarat Abidah, and 12.8 mm in Shaar in Abha and Al Khalaf in Sarat Abidah.
The share of the central and eastern regions in the rain
The rainfall was not limited to the highlands but extended to the central and eastern regions of the country, promising a bountiful spring season. In the Eastern Province, Al-Khafji recorded 32.9 mm, Al-Sa'irah in Hafr Al-Batin 32.7 mm, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Road in Al-Sa'irah 31.9 mm, Umm Ash-Shaflah in Qaryat Al-Ulya 27.2 mm, and Al-Bathaa in Al-Udayd 13.2 mm. In the Qassim region, known for its abundant agricultural production, Al-Muthnib Governorate recorded 25.5 mm, Riyadh Al-Khabra 16.0 mm, the experimental station in Unaizah and Al-Ulya neighborhood in Al-Asyah 15.8 mm, and Prince Nayef Airport 14.3 mm.
In the capital and its surroundings, the Riyadh region recorded 23.5 mm in Shaqra, 20.4 mm in Al-Jubailah in Diriyah, 20.0 mm in Al-Huraiq in Shaqra, 17.5 mm in the carob farms in Shaqra, and 14.4 mm in Khashm Dhuiban in Al-Muzahmiyah, which contributes to cooling the atmosphere and washing away the suspended dust.
Rainfall conditions in the north of the Kingdom and other regions
In the north, where rainfall is essential for the growth of natural pastures, the Tabuk region recorded 7.8 mm in Rahib, 6.4 mm in Al-Fara’a in Al-Wajh, and 5.2 mm at the Red Sea International Airport. In the Northern Borders region, Arar Airport recorded 5.5 mm. The Al-Jawf region also experienced 4.6 mm of rainfall in Miqwa’ in Tabarjal. In Ha’il, Al-Shamli recorded 2.4 mm, while in the southern Najran region, Badr Al-Janoub recorded 0.9 mm.
In the Madinah region, Wadi Al-Fara recorded 10.8 mm, Abu Dhabaa 10.0 mm, and Al-Faqrah 9.2 mm, which enhances water resources in these historical and agricultural areas.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up efforts
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in cooperation with the National Center for Meteorology, plays a vital role in monitoring and analyzing these rainfall amounts to ensure optimal management of water resources and their allocation to dams. For more details on rainfall amounts in all regions of the Kingdom, please refer to the official report here.
