Intense thunderstorms and imminent flash flooding forecasted for southwestern Saudi Arabia
Heavy Thunderstorms Forecast for Southwestern Regions of Saudi Arabia
Residents in several regions of Saudi Arabia are advised to exercise caution as heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, are forecast for Friday, August 15, 2025. The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has issued official warnings, indicating a significant risk of flash floods in the Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca regions.
According to the NCM, moderate to heavy thunderstorms with potentially severe impacts are expected in these southwestern and western regions. Lighter to moderate rainfall is predicted in other areas such as Medina, Tabuk, Al Jouf, Northern Borders, and Najran.
The approaching thunderstorms are likely to worsen sea conditions near the Red Sea, with wave heights ranging from 0.5m to 2m and winds reaching over 50 km/h in some areas. In the southern sector of the Red Sea, surface winds will blow westerly to northwesterly at 15-35 km/h, also reaching 50 km/h. Over the Red Sea, surface winds will blow northwesterly to northerly at 20-40 km/h in the northern sector, reaching up to 50 km/h.
In contrast, conditions over the Arabian Gulf remain calmer despite some moderate winds. Surface winds in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to be southeasterly to easterly at 8-28 km/h. Waves in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be between half a metre and one metre.
The NCM's forecasts are based on warnings issued on August 11 and 12, 2025, covering the continued unstable weather across the region. The core concern for Friday remains the occurrence of heavy thunderstorms with flash flood risk in Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca.
Residents are urged to stay away from flood-prone areas and valleys, and to exercise caution during this weather event. Stay tuned for further updates and advisories from the NCM.
The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has predicted moderate to heavy thunderstorms across various southwestern and western regions of Saudi Arabia, as stated in the latest weather-forecasting. Residents are urged to keep updated on the weather news, particularly those living in the Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca regions, as heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, could pose a significant risk of flash floods.
