NCM forecasts thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds across Saudi Arabia through Tuesday

2026-03-08 - 13:43

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) on Friday shared forecasts consisting of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, rainfall, hail, and drops in temperature across several regions of the Kingdom through to Tuesday. In its latest weather report, the NCM said thunderstorms are expected across much of Saudi Arabia from Friday through Tuesday, March 6–10, with rainfall intensities ranging from light showers of 1–4 millimeters per hour to heavier downpours reaching 10–50 millimeters per hour or more in some locations. Storm activity may also generate strong downburst winds of 50–60 km/h capable of raising dust and sand and reducing visibility. Severe thunderstorms could bring hail, flash floods, high coastal waves, and in rare cases, the formation of tornado-like vortices or waterspouts, the ceter reported. In Madinah Region, light to moderate thunderstorms are forecast on Friday and Saturday across Madinah city, Al-Hanakiyah, Al-Mahd, and Wadi Al-Fara’, with rainfall expected to fall at rates of 1–9 millimeters per hourduring intermittent storm periods. Across the Makkah Region, Makkah city, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, and Bahrah may receive light to moderate rainfall on Friday and Saturday. The coastal areas, including Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah, could experience similar showers through Sunday. In the mountainous areas of Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turbah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah and Ranyah, thunderstorms are expected to intensify between Friday and Sunday, producing rainfall rates that may reach 10–50 millimeters per hour, accompanied by wind gusts near 60 km/h and the potential for localized flash flooding before easing to lighter showers early next week. In Al-Baha Region, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected between Friday and Sunday across Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Qilwah, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, Al-Makhwah, Al-Hajrah, Ghamid Al-Zinad, and Al-Aqiq. Storm cells in these mountainous areas may produce rainfall exceeding 10 millimeters per hour and strong winds capable of stirring dust and debris. Lighter rainfall may persist through Monday and Tuesday. Further south, the Asir Region is expected to see some of the most active weather. Thunderstorms across Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Al-Namas, Tanumah, Rijal Alma, Bariq, Mahayil Asir, and neighboring governorates will have moderate to heavy rainfall from Friday through Sunday, with hourly rates potentially reaching up to 50 millimeters and winds near 60 km/h, conditions that increase the likelihood of flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas. Rainfall intensity is forecast to decrease slightly on Monday and Tuesday in Asir, with lingering storms. In Jazan Region, heavy thunderstorms are forecast from Friday to Sunday across mountainous districts, including Al-Reeth, Harub, Al-Dayer, Al-Aydabi, Fayfa, Al-Aridah, and Al-Harth. Additional rainfall is expected across Jazan city, Sabya, Dhamad, Abu Arish, Samtah, and Al-Tuwal over the weekend, with moderate showers. Meanwhile, Najran Region, including Najran city, Badr Al-Janoub, Hubuna, Yadamah, and Thar, is forecast to experience light to moderate thunderstorms from Friday through Monday, with rainfall and occasional gusty winds. In Riyadh Region, thunderstorms may intensify from Friday through Sunday across Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quwaiyah, Al-Rayn, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj, where moderate to heavy rainfall could reach 10–50 millimeters per hour alongside strong wind gusts approaching 60 km/h. Lighter showers are expected to continue into Monday and Tuesday across several areas, including Riyadh city and the surrounding governorates of Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahimiyah, Durma, Marat, Shaqra, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, and Al-Majma’ah. Northern regions will also experience unstable conditions. Hail Region is expected to see light to moderate thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday across Hail, Al-Ghazalah, Al-Shamli, Al-Ha’it, Al-Shinan, Baqa’a, and Muwaqqaq, with rainfall occasional gusty winds. Similar rainfall intensities are forecast across the Qassim Region, including Buraidah, Unaizah, Ar-Rass, and Al-Bukayriyah during the same period. In the Northern Borders, light to moderate showers are forecast on Saturday across Rafha and Al-Uwayqilah, with light rainfall remaining. The Eastern Province is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall on Saturday and Sunday across Dammam, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Khobar, Hafar Al-Batin, Khafji, Buqayq, Nuayriyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, and Al-Ahsa, with rainfall rates between 1 and 9 millimeters per hour and occasional gusty winds capable of stirring dust. The NCM warned that severe thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail, flash flooding, and high coastal waves, while powerful convective storms could generate tornado-like funnels or waterspouts over coastal waters. The center urged residents to follow weather updates and warnings through its official website, social media platforms, and the “Anwaa” weather application as conditions develop across the Kingdom.