Weather forecast: Thunderstorms expected in Saudi Arabia from Friday to Monday

Weather forecast: Thunderstorms expected across most regions of the Kingdom

Amid the fluctuating weather conditions affecting the Arabian Peninsula during spring, the National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has announced forecasts of continued light to moderate thunderstorms across large parts of the Kingdom. This weather pattern is expected to begin tomorrow, Friday, April 3rd, and continue until Monday, April 6th, 2026, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.

The climatic context and effects of spring in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is known for its diverse geography and climate, and spring, particularly April, typically sees rapid weather changes and periods of atmospheric instability. Historically, these periods are known locally as spring disturbances or the “Sarayat” season, characterized by the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds accompanied by strong downdrafts. These seasonal rains play a vital role in replenishing the Kingdom's water reserves, replenishing groundwater, and raising dam levels, which positively impacts the local agricultural and environmental sectors and supports environmental sustainability goals.

Rainfall map and its distribution across regions

The report issued by the National Center for Meteorology explained that the rainy weather will cover a wide geographical area, with varying amounts of rainfall and their durations depending on the geographical distribution of cloud movement:

• Northern regions: Tabuk, Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions will experience light to moderate rainfall on Friday, April 3.
• Central regions: The weather system extends to Hail and Qassim and will continue until Sunday, April 5. There is also a chance of rain in the capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates on Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5.
• Western and Eastern Regions: The Medina, Makkah and Eastern regions will be affected by rainfall on Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4.
• Southern and southwestern regions: Expectations are intensifying for moderate to heavy rainfall in the regions of Asir, Jazan, Al-Baha, and Najran, during the period from Friday to Monday, April 6.

Accompanying weather phenomena and official warnings

The National Center of Meteorology's warning was not limited to rainfall; it also cautioned against several accompanying weather phenomena requiring extreme caution. These include strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, with speeds reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour, significantly reducing horizontal visibility and impacting land navigation. Flash floods are also expected in valleys and ravines, along with hail showers and high waves along the coast. The center indicated that rainfall rates during periods of moderate rain could range from 5 to 9 millimeters per hour.

The meteorological department stressed that these phenomena, especially in cases of heavy rain, may be accompanied by the formation of tornadoes or waterspouts, which requires extreme caution and staying away from open areas, valleys, and mountain slopes to avoid the dangers of flash floods.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

Locally, these forecasts have prompted the General Directorate of Civil Defense and other relevant authorities to mobilize efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property and to activate emergency plans for managing water accumulation on vital roads. Regionally, the movement of low-pressure systems across the Arabian Peninsula reflects the interconnectedness of the region's climatic systems, with neighboring Gulf countries often affected by the extension of these spring weather patterns.

Safety guidelines and future outlook

The National Center for Meteorology urged everyone to follow the latest updates, reports, and early warnings on its official website and to use the “Anwaa” app, which provides accurate weather information to ensure public safety. In a related development, the center's initial forecasts indicate the possibility of renewed thunderstorms and rain in some areas of the Kingdom starting next Tuesday and continuing until the end of the week, confirming the ongoing unstable weather conditions during this period.