Saudi Arabia forecasts rain through Saturday, with heavy downpours in some areas

Saudi Arabia anticipates a period of rain and thunderstorms from Wednesday through Saturday, with particularly heavy downpours expected in some western and southwestern regions. The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has issued an animated forecast map indicating light to moderate rain beginning on Wednesday afternoon in western Najran, southern Eastern Province areas and coastal locales.

Rain along the western coast, extending from north of Jazan towards Taif in the Mecca region, is anticipated to escalate later in the day. Conversely, showers over Najran and the Eastern Province are expected to diminish gradually. Rainfall is projected to largely dissipate across the Kingdom by Wednesday evening. Thursday afternoon will see light to moderate rain south of Asir, with lighter showers around Taif and isolated portions of Najran and the southern Eastern Province.

Western coast rain is forecast to intensify later in the afternoon, while showers elsewhere will subside. Isolated light rain may develop over Tabuk, Al Jouf and the Northern Borders early in the evening before conditions become predominantly dry. Rain is expected to recur in northern Saudi Arabia late on Friday, with light showers predicted over Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders and Medina areas.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is also anticipated around Taif and Abha in Asir. Most precipitation is expected to ease early on Saturday, though isolated showers could linger over the Northern Borders and Hail. Rain is forecast to redevelop in similar regions during the afternoon before clearing later in the evening.