Saudi Arabia is expected to see rainfall across several regions over the coming week, with conditions continuing through Tuesday, January 20, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).

The forecast, based on outputs from the Saudi numerical weather model, was accompanied by an animated map illustrating the projected movement and intensity of rainfall across the Kingdom during this period.

Today, activity will remain concentrated over southern and north-western Jazan and Asir, while the system moves from the eastern Makkah Region towards the Riyadh Region, approaching Al Dawadmi. 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.

Rain 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 across the Eastern Province and central regions, but continue over Asir, Jazan, Al Baha and AlQunfudhah. Light rainfall is also forecast for southern parts of the Makkah Region, including Taif.

Rainfall activity is expected 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 rain is forecast over southern parts of the Makkah Region and Al Baha, extending from Taif to Al Qunfudhah. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by evening, except in areas of the Makkah Region near the Holy City.

According to the NCM, scattered showers will continue on Sunday, January 18, over parts of the Makkah Region, including Jeddah, before shifting towards 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 towards Riyadh, Dammam and Al Ahsa. Light to moderate rain may persist through midday in parts of the Eastern Province, Asir, Al Baha, Al Qunfudhah and southern areas of the Makkah Region, particularly Taif.

Conditions are expected to gradually stabilise by Monday evening, though isolated showers may continue in some western areas.

The NCM said Tuesday, January 20, may still bring rainfall to some parts of Al Qunfudhah and areas near Al Baha city, marking the final phase of the weather system.

Residents have been advised to follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and surface runoff.

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Saudi Arabia is set to be hit by the coldest, deepest and strongest low-pressure system since the start of winter, beginning from Monday, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).

The centre forecast cold conditions at night and in the early morning hours across the northern regions and the southwestern highlands from today until January 17, with the possibility of fog and frost forming in parts of these areas.

It added that rainfall is expected towards the end of this week in parts of Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Makkah and Madinah regions. These conditions may be accompanied by a further drop in temperatures and increased cloud cover.

The NCM also warned that surface winds could stir up dust and sand during the daytime in parts of Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Makkah and Madinah, with the effects extending to the Qassim, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions. This could lead to reduced horizontal visibility.

The centre urged citizens and residents to take necessary precautions and to closely follow weather updates and warnings, particularly in areas expected to be affected by the system. It also stressed the importance of monitoring its daily reports through its official website and verified social media channels.

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Temperatures are expected to continue falling across several regions of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by active winds, as a cold wave intensifies over large parts of the Kingdom, according to the National Centre for Meteorology.

The centre said the temperature drop will affect a wide range of areas, including Makkah and Madinah, Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al Qassim, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, warning residents to brace for colder conditions in the coming days.

Parts of northwestern Tabuk witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures early on Sunday, particularly in open areas and elevated terrain. Frost was observed forming in exposed locations as the cold wave continued to impact the northern regions of the Kingdom.

 Forecasters said temperatures are expected to decline further in Tabuk, accompanied by active winds that may increase the chill factor, while cold conditions are set to persist across affected regions over the next few days.

The centre noted that several governorates recorded the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom on Sunday. Arar, Qurayyat and Turaif each registered zero degrees Celsius, marking the coldest readings nationwide.

Meanwhile, temperatures in Rafha fell to three degrees Celsius, while Sakaka recorded four degrees Celsius, placing both areas among the coldest locations in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing cold spell.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly in northern regions, to take precautions against the cold, especially during early morning and night hours, as low temperatures and strong winds continue to prevail.

Story by Gulf News