NCM warns of continued thunderstorms across several regions through Saturday

NCM warns of continued thunderstorms across several regions through Saturday

Published: July 19, 2026 at 04:43 PM

The National Center for Meteorology regularly issues weather forecasts to keep the public informed about expected conditions.

Stormy clouds over Al-Namas, Asir. (Saudi Press Agency)

July 19, 2026 | 04:43 PM

Saudi Gazette

Last Updated: July 19, 2026 | 04:43 PM

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Thunderstorms are forecast to persist across multiple regions of the Kingdom from Sunday through the end of the week, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) reported.

The NCM's forecast is based on outputs from the Saudi Numerical Model.

According to the forecast, light rain will begin affecting the southernmost parts of the Asir Region on Sunday afternoon for a brief period before disappearing from the Kingdom until Tuesday afternoon.

Moderate rain is expected to return to southern and northwestern Asir on Tuesday afternoon, then gradually shift south and dissipate. Light showers will later spread across southern Asir and continue until early Wednesday morning.

NCM's animated map showing the areas forecast to be affecting by the rain and thunderstorms.

On Wednesday afternoon, light to moderate rain is expected across much of southern Asir, extending into the surrounding areas of Abha before spreading across a wider area of the region. Scattered showers are also forecast over the southwestern parts of the Riyadh Region, with heavier rain reaching Taif in the Makkah Region.

By early Wednesday evening, rain is expected to end over Taif in Makkah, while light to moderate showers continue across Asir and the southern parts of the Riyadh Region. Later in the evening, rainfall will extend into Jazan, eventually covering the Farasan Islands before continuing until early Thursday morning.

By Thursday morning, rainfall is expected to have cleared all areas before returning to the southern parts of Asir. Showers will intensify to heavy rain, extending farther north across Asir and into the western parts of Najran and the southern parts of the Riyadh Region.

Later on Thursday afternoon, heavy rain is forecast over the eastern parts of Jazan and the southern parts of Asir, while rainfall over Najran and Riyadh gradually weakens, becomes more scattered, and disappears by early Friday morning.

NCM's animated map showing the areas forecast to be affecting by the rain and thunderstorms.

On Friday morning, light scattered showers are expected across the western parts of Najran and much of Jazan, particularly the Farasan Islands. During the afternoon, heavy rain will affect Abha before spreading across much of the Asir Region.

By early Friday evening, rainfall will weaken and become more scattered, with light showers continuing over Abha, its surrounding areas, and the eastern parts of Jazan until early Saturday morning.

On Saturday afternoon, light rain is expected to return to the southern parts of Asir and the southeastern parts of Jazan. Rainfall will then intensify and spread across the southern parts of Asir and small parts of Najran before weakening, becoming scattered, and disappearing completely later in the evening.

The NCM relies on the Saudi Numerical Model for its predictions, which provides detailed meteorological data. The forecast covers parts of Asir, Riyadh, and Makkah regions, indicating widespread impacts. Residents in affected areas should stay alert to evolving weather conditions and follow official guidance.