Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant weather fluctuations, with most regions affected by widespread rainfall. The National Center for Meteorology thunderstorms ranging from light to moderate to heavy, beginning Monday, March 23, and continuing until Saturday, March 28, 2026. This weather system is accompanied by several climatic phenomena that warrant attention and caution.
Climate context and the effects of spring
Historically, transitional periods, particularly spring, in the Arabian Peninsula are known for their rapid and severe weather fluctuations, locally referred to as "Sarayat." These rains play a vital and locally significant role in bolstering the Kingdom's strategic water reserves by replenishing dams and groundwater, as well as revitalizing vegetation and supporting the agricultural sector, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. However, these conditions necessitate a state of readiness from relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense, to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Weather details for the northern and western regions
The weather report indicated that the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, and the Northern Borders will experience thunderstorms from Monday, March 23, to Thursday, March 26. This weather pattern includes the governorates of Tabuk, Tayma, Neom, Duba, Al-Wajh, Umluj, Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Ash-Shamli, Baqaa, Al-Hait, Muwaqq, Arar, Rafha, Tarif, and Al-Uwayqilah.
As for the Madinah , the rains include Yanbu, Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Ais, Wadi Al-Fara and Badr, with expectations of heavier rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, later extending to Al-Mahd, Al-Hanakiya and Madinah itself.
Rain in Mecca and southern regions
Moving to the Makkah region, Jeddah, Khulais, Bahrah, and Rabigh are expected to experience light to moderate rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, becoming heavy on Thursday, March 26. The effects will extend to the Holy City of Makkah, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Lith, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah.
In the south, heavy rains will continue in the Al-Baha and Asir regions from Monday until the end of the week, affecting Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Makhwah, Al-Namas, Muhayil Asir, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Bisha, and Dhahran Al-Janoub. The Jazan region (Al-Raith, Haroub, Faifa, Jizan, Sabya, Farasan) and the Najran region (Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Sharurah) will also be affected by rains that will gradually increase in intensity.
Weather in Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province
The capital city of Riyadh and its surrounding governorates (Zulfi, Majmaah, Diriyah, Dilam, Kharj, Afif, and Dawadmi) are experiencing light to moderate rainfall, intensifying on Thursday and Friday and extending to Wadi al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj. In the Qassim region, the affected areas include Buraydah, Ar-Rass, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Mudhnib, and Uqlat as-Suqur.
As for the Eastern Province, Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Khafji will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, while Dammam, Al-Khobar, Al-Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, Al-Nairiyah and Al-Ahsa will experience heavy rain that will peak in the middle of the week.
Important warnings and guidelines
The National Center of Meteorology has warned of accompanying weather phenomena, including strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. Flash floods are also expected in valleys, along with hail and high waves along the coasts, with a rare possibility of tornadoes or waterspouts in some areas. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urges citizens and residents to stay away from valleys and flood channels and to follow the latest updates through official early warning channels to ensure public safety.
