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The National Center for Meteorology detailed in its August 20 report an expected continuation of thunderstorm activity with associated hail across several regions of Saudi Arabia. This pattern is set to intensify starting on Friday and last at least through the following Tuesday. The center highlighted southwestern areas as facing the most significant impacts from the weather system.
According to the National Center for Meteorology, the Jazan and Asir regions will bear the brunt of the heaviest rainfall with specific mentions of governorates including Abha Khamis Mushait and Al-Rayth. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms are also anticipated in sections of Makkah Najran the southern parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh. The forecast could see adjustments as the center monitors developments over the coming week.
NCM data places expected rainfall intensities in the range of 10 to 50 millimeters per hour during peak periods with downdraft winds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour. Accompanying the rain will be hail lightning strikes and a heightened potential for flash flooding in vulnerable terrain. These conditions pose risks to both urban infrastructure and rural pathways the meteorological assessment found.
The latest warning builds upon a series of comparable alerts issued by the National Center for Meteorology throughout the summer months. In previous instances such forecasts have led Saudi Civil Defense to call on residents in affected areas like Jazan to take precautionary measures and avoid flood-prone locations. Officials have stressed the importance of heeding weather updates to ensure public safety during these events.
Separate from the precipitation threats the NCM report warned of active surface winds that could stir up dust and sand severely limiting visibility in multiple provinces. Parts of the Northern Borders Qassim Riyadh Najran and the Eastern Province may see near-zero visibility at times. Coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah regions could similarly experience blowing dust from the strong winds.
The center’s broader outlook indicates that thunderstorm chances may extend beyond Tuesday with an overall increase in such activity noted across the kingdom. Residents are encouraged to consult the National Center for Meteorology’s official channels for real-time revisions to the forecast. The daily weather status report further elaborated on these evolving patterns.
