Thunderstorms, hail and flash floods to hit Saudi Arabia; public urged to stay alert

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms across southern and western Saudi Arabia over the coming days, warning of hailstorms, flash floods, and dust-laden winds.

The unstable weather is expected to impact several regions from Sunday through Thursday.

Regions under alert include:

Dust storms are also expected across parts of Riyadh, Madinah, and Makkah, while the Eastern Region is likely to remain hot to extremely hot.

The General Directorate of Civil Defence has issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid valleys, flood zones, and refrain from swimming during storms. The unstable weather is expected to last from Sunday through Thursday.

In Makkah region, the following areas may witness heavy rain, hail, and strong winds that could trigger flash floods:

Other areas, including Al Jumum, Al Laith, Turbah, Ranyah, and Al-Qunfudhah, may see light to moderate rainfall.

The alert also extends to Jazan, Najran, Aseer, and Al-Baha, which are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain this week.

Residents are advised to monitor weather updates through official channels and follow safety instructions to avoid potential hazards.

Red Sea

Arabian Gulf

On Sunday, heavy rains transformed Abha and surrounding governorates into a scenic getaway, with foggy skies and temperatures dropping to 20–25°C.

The cooler weather brought a surge of visitors, causing heavy traffic on key roads.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shared stunning visuals of the rain-soaked region, capturing Aseer’s natural charm during the peak of Summer 2025—solidifying its status as a favourite destination for travellers seeking cooler climes and lush landscapes.