RIYADH: In much-awaited relief from the searing heat of this summer, most of the regions in Saudi Arabia, including Makkah, Jazan, Najran and Asir, will experience moderate to heavy rainfall starting Thursday.
The welcome rain will continue until the middle of the next week, according to the forecast by the National Center of Meteorology.
The center forecast on Wednesday issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall in Makkah, accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, flash floods, hail and thunderstorms.
It indicated that these conditions are expected to persist until 9 p.m.
Forecasting light to moderate and heavy rainfall in different areas across the Kingdom, the center said that starting on Thursday, Jazan and Baha regions will experience heavy rainfall continuing until the weekend, while moderate rains are expected until the middle of the next week.
The holy city of Makkah, the resort city of Taif and the Asir region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall until the middle of the next week, whereas Jeddah will experience light to moderate rainfall.
Najran and Badr areas will receive moderate to heavy rains, while Madinah and Yanbu will experience light to moderate rainfall.
According to the center, the Saudi capital region of Riyadh and the Eastern Province will experience light to moderate rains this weekend.
Amid the warning of rainfall accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, flash floods, hail and thunderstorms, the center called on the public to follow its weather updates on its website and social media platforms and to adhere to the instructions of the relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, to ensure public safety.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also called for caution and adherence to guidelines due to the rainy weather forecast for several regions.
The Civil Defense team in Jazan is prepared for field efforts during the rainy days, it said, posting pictures of their rescue team ready for the rainy weather.
"#ForYourSafety ... During rainfall ... stay away from low-lying areas, water gatherings, and valleys,” the General Directorate posted on its social media platforms, including X.
Abdullah Alotaibi, from Taif, who is working in Riyadh, told Arab News: “This forecast came as a big sigh of relief from the ongoing scorching heat. With the welcome showers expected in many parts, the weather will turn pleasant with temperature going down and people will feel better after drizzle in different parts.”
“We are eagerly awaiting for rain in Riyadh, currently experiencing excessive heat, to reduce the mercury level,” he said.
