Look: Hail, rain and thunder turn Saudi Arabia’s mountains into summer hotspots

A spell of thunderstorms, thick fog, and hail has turned Saudi Arabia’s southwestern highlands into lush, rain-washed retreats—luring summer travellers in search of cooler, scenic escapes.

From Al Baha to Asir, the unusual weather has revived the landscape and boosted domestic tourism, as scenic photos flood social media.

The National Center for Meteorology forecasts continued rain and storms across key regions, including Najran, Jazan, Aseer, Al Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. Winds and wave activity are also expected to intensify in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Heavy downpours lashed parts of Jazan, including Sabya, Baish, Abu Arish and Ad-Dayer, soaking the roads and breathing life into the parched terrain. Residents welcomed the showers as a blessing after weeks of dry weather.

In Al Baha, dense fog rolled across the hilltops as moderate rain brought cooler temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. The rains revived the region’s wadis and terraces, blanketing the valleys in green. Tourist hot spots like Baljurshi, Bani Hassan and AlAqiq witnessed a surge in visitors eager to capture the fog-draped scenery.

Abha and its surrounding areas, including Al-Farsha and Al-Souda, saw a mix of rain and hail that left parts of the terrain looking snow-covered. SPA images showed vacationers—especially children—playing in the showers and celebrating the chilly summer weather. The weather also brought back the flow of wadis and boosted vegetation cover.

Major tourist routes leading to highland parks in Asir, such as Al-Habla, Al-Sahab, and Tanuma, were packed with vehicles over the weekend. The region’s summer campaign, “Asir Summer… Colder and Closer”, continues to draw families to the cooler heights for open-air picnics and outdoor activities.

The rainfall has not only cooled temperatures but also refreshed Saudi Arabia’s mountain terrain, turning valleys green and attracting thousands of domestic tourists. As waterfalls return and fog settles over winding roads, the southwest offers a rare mix of rain, beauty and escape from the desert heat.

Officials continue to monitor weather developments and advise caution for those venturing into mountainous or coastal areas.