Heavy rain, thunderstorms to lash southwestern Saudi Arabia through Saturday

Weather authorities have warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms sweeping through southwestern Saudi Arabia, particularly impacting Jazan and Asir regions, for the remainder of Saturday. The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) predicts the unsettled conditions will initially impact southern Asir on Thursday before shifting towards Jazan and the Farasan Islands.

A brief respite from the rain is anticipated in the morning before showers return to southern Jazan. The afternoon will see rain intensifying across much of Jazan and western Asir, with moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms developing near the border between the two provinces. As the evening progresses, conditions are expected to ease in Jazan, though light rain may continue over parts of western Asir and eastern Jazan.

On Friday, rain will reappear in southern Asir and eastern Jazan, before becoming more pronounced again during the afternoon. Moderate rainfall is projected across much of Jazan, while showers may also affect areas east of Taif and northwestern Asir. By Saturday, western Asir and regions east of Taif will experience light rain, which could intensify into heavier showers near Jazan city and along the Asir coast.

Scattered showers may also impact parts of Mecca, Al Baha, Asir, and Jazan throughout the day. Additionally, dust-raising winds and high waves are forecast along Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia is bracing for hotter-than-normal August weather across most of its regions.