Weather warning: Heavy rain expected in the Eastern Province and other regions of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology warns of heavy rainfall
Professor Hamza Koumi, Director General of Weather and Climate Forecasting at the National Center for Meteorology, revealed important details regarding the development of a rainfall system expected to affect most regions of Saudi Arabia over the next few days. He explained that this weather pattern is part of the country's usual fluctuations, and warned citizens and residents to take precautions and follow official updates.
Areas covered by the rainfall forecast
Kumi noted that forecasts and weather maps clearly indicate heavy rainfall in several key regions, with the Eastern Province leading the list, along with the Makkah, Madinah, and Al-Baha regions. The effects of this weather system also extend to large parts of the Asir and Jazan regions, reaching as far south as the Riyadh region, making it a widespread and geographically impactful rainfall event.
The climatic and historical context of spring weather in Saudi Arabia
Historically, spring in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula is known as a critical transitional period characterized by sharp and rapid weather fluctuations, a period known locally as the "Sarayat" season. During these months, cold air masses from the north meet warm, humid air masses from the south (the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea), creating ideal conditions for the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds. These climatic conditions make it very common for strong atmospheric instability events to occur, accompanied by heavy rainfall over a short period.
Accompanying weather phenomena and expected effects
The Director General of Weather and Climate Forecasting explained that the expected thunderstorms are usually accompanied by hail and a noticeable increase in high-speed downdrafts that can stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. He further clarified that the phenomena accompanying thunderstorms in spring can sometimes include waterspouts or tornadoes, as spring is rarely without these weather events characterized by their strong and sometimes sudden activity.
The importance of the event and its local and regional impact
Locally, this rainfall is of paramount importance. On the one hand, it contributes to bolstering the Kingdom's strategic water reserves by replenishing groundwater and raising dam levels, as well as revitalizing vegetation and natural pastures. On the other hand, it necessitates a state of alert from relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense, to ensure the safety of lives and property and to issue warnings urging people to stay away from valleys and floodplains.
Regionally, the impact of this weather system will not be limited to Saudi Arabia. According to Kumi, the rainfall will ultimately be concentrated in the border regions of some neighboring Gulf countries, with the system continuing its eastward movement according to typical weather patterns.
When will the weather conditions subside?
In closing, Dr. Kumi reassured the public that current forecasts indicate the end of the weather system and its gradual decline – God willing – by next Saturday. The rain clouds will be confined to the southern parts of the Kingdom, and the rainy air mass will begin to gradually move away from the Kingdom's skies, signaling a complete stabilization of the weather across most of Saudi Arabia and a return to normal conditions.
