Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast rainfall across several regions of the Kingdom over the coming week, beginning Wednesday, January 15, and continuing through Tuesday, January 20.

The forecast is based on outputs from the Saudi numerical weather model, with the NCM releasing an animated map illustrating the expected movement and frequency of rainfall during the period.

According to the forecast, rainfall is expected to begin on Wednesday afternoon over southern regions, particularly Jazan, Al Qunfudhah, and parts of Asir around Abha, before gradually expanding northward and eastward.

By Wednesday evening, rainfall is forecast to ease over Al Baha and Al Qunfudhah, while beginning in eastern parts of the Makkah Region. Rain is expected to continue overnight in Jazan.

During the early hours of Thursday, rainfall activity will remain concentrated over southern and northwestern Jazan and Asir, while moving from the eastern Makkah Region toward the Riyadh Region, approaching Al Dawadmi. By dawn, rainfall is expected to reach Riyadh city, extend across areas between Riyadh and Al Dawadmi, and affect the entire Asir coastline, including the Jazan islands.

Later on Thursday morning, rainfall is forecast to reach the Eastern Province, including Al Ahsa and Dammam, while weakening over Riyadh.

As the day progresses, rainfall is expected to ease over the Eastern Province and central regions, but continue over Asir, Jazan, Al Baha, and Al Qunfudhah.

Light rainfall is also expected to develop over southern parts of the Makkah Region, including Taif.

Rainfall activity is forecast to resume on Friday evening, January 16, affecting western Jazan, eastern Asir, and southern areas of the Makkah Region, before tapering off later that night.

On Saturday, January 17, scattered and generally light rainfall is expected over southern parts of the Makkah Region and Al Baha, extending from Taif to Al Qunfudhah. Rainfall is forecast to gradually diminish by evening, except in areas of the Makkah Region near the Holy City.

According to the NCM, scattered rainfall will continue on Sunday, January 18, over parts of the Makkah Region, including Jeddah, before shifting toward southern Madinah. Later in the day, rainfall is expected to expand across Makkah and Taif, and reach northern Riyadh and parts of the Eastern Province by evening.

By the early hours of Monday, January 19, rainfall is forecast to ease over Makkah and move toward Riyadh, Dammam, and Al Ahsa.

Light to moderate rainfall may persist through midday in parts of the Eastern Province, Asir, Al Baha, Al Qunfudhah, and southern areas of the Makkah Region, particularly Taif.

Rainfall is expected to gradually subside by Monday evening, with isolated showers continuing in some western regions.

The forecast indicates that Tuesday, January 20, may still see rainfall in parts of Al Qunfudhah and near Al Baha city, marking the final phase of the weather system.

The NCM advised residents to follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall and surface runoff.