NCM forecasts heavier rainfall across Jazan, Asir and Al Baha later this week.
Dubai: Heavy thunderstorms and rainfall are expected across several parts of Saudi Arabia through Saturday, with the most intense conditions forecast in the southwest later this week, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).
Based on the Saudi Numerical Model, rain is expected to develop intermittently across Asir, Jazan, Al Baha, Mecca, Najran and parts of Riyadh, Medina and the Eastern Province before becoming heavier towards the weekend.
Light to moderate rain was expected across southern Asir and areas around Abha from Sunday evening, extending into eastern Jazan. Conditions were forecast to ease overnight, with only isolated showers likely over western Asir on Monday afternoon.
Rainfall is expected to gradually increase from Tuesday, with light showers likely over southern Asir and parts of Mecca. Very light rain could also reach southern Najran and southeastern areas of the Eastern Province on Wednesday.
A more widespread spell of unsettled weather is forecast from Thursday, with rain expected across Asir, eastern Jazan and parts of Najran, Mecca and Riyadh. Rainfall may become heavier over eastern Jazan and western Asir later in the day before moving north towards Al Baha and Madinah overnight.
The most intense spell is expected on Friday afternoon, when rainfall could increase significantly across western and southwestern Saudi Arabia, particularly along the Asir-Jazan border and across much of Al Baha. Lighter showers are also possible around Taif and Mecca.
By Friday evening, rain is expected to become more scattered as the weather system moves north, with showers possible across parts of Mecca, Al Baha, Medina and northwestern Riyadh.
Another spell of light to moderate rain is forecast for Saturday afternoon along the Asir-Jazan border and western Al Baha, with locally heavier conditions possible. Scattered showers may also reach Mecca and areas around the Medina-Mecca border.
Rainfall is expected to gradually ease late Saturday, with the NCM model indicating that wet conditions should largely clear across the Kingdom by early Sunday.
