Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy rain and flash floods in Riyadh, Mecca, and Asir
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report warning of a widespread weather instability affecting most regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the country prepares to receive a wave of thunderstorms ranging in intensity from moderate to heavy, accompanied by active winds and hail showers, starting from tomorrow, Friday, until next Tuesday, corresponding to March 6 to 10, 2026.
Climatic context: Transitional weather fluctuations season
This weather pattern occurs during the transitional period that the Arabian Peninsula typically experiences at this time of year, characterized by rapid and sharp weather changes between the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Kingdom's geographical features, particularly the Sarawat Mountains, play a pivotal role in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, leading to heavy rainfall that may cause flash floods in valleys and ravines—a common weather pattern that always requires the utmost caution.
Weather details for Mecca and Medina
The center explained that the Madinah region will be affected by rainfall on Friday and Saturday, including Madinah city, Al-Hanakiya, Al-Mahd, and Wadi Al-Fara, with intensity ranging from light to moderate. In the Makkah region, the weather system will affect the Holy City, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, and Bahrah on Friday and Saturday, extending to Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah until Sunday.
In a notable development, the report indicated that rainfall intensified, becoming moderate to heavy, in the highlands of Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turba, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurma, and Ranya from Friday to Sunday, before its intensity decreased later.
Southern highlands and central region
The report highlighted the southern regions, where Al-Baha, Asir (including Abha and Khamis Mushait), and Jazan are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods from Friday to Sunday. The weather system also extends to the Najran region, bringing light to moderate rain.
In the central region, the center warned that the governorates of the Riyadh region, including the capital Riyadh, Al-Kharj, and Wadi Al-Dawasir, will witness varying levels of rainfall continuing until Monday, which may affect traffic and movement between the governorates.
Associated effects and safety guidelines
The warning was not limited to rain alone, but also included accompanying weather phenomena. In cases of light rain, downdrafts may become active, stirring up dust and sand, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility, especially on highways and open areas in Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders.
In areas of heavy rainfall, downdrafts could reach speeds exceeding 60 km/h, with the possibility of hail, high waves along the coast, and, in rare cases, the formation of tornadoes. The center concluded its report by emphasizing the importance of monitoring real-time warnings via the "Anwaa" app and staying away from valleys and floodplains to protect lives and property.
