JEDDAH — Residents across Saudi Arabia should prepare for widespread rainfall coinciding with the mid-year school holiday, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced Sunday. Weather alerts, ranging from yellow to orange levels, have been issued for numerous regions, signaling potential disruptions due to heavy downpours, strong winds, and localized flooding. The NCM advises citizens to stay informed and exercise caution during the forecast period.
The anticipated weather system will impact areas from the Northern Borders region to the southwestern highlands, with the most significant impacts expected Monday. Alerts cover a broad geographical area, prompting authorities to urge preparedness among residents and travelers. The NCM’s warnings include potential risks to maritime activities and visibility on roadways.
Understanding the Rainfall Alerts and Regional Impacts
The NCM categorizes weather alerts based on severity. Yellow alerts indicate low to moderate rainfall and associated risks, requiring vigilance. Orange alerts, however, signify more substantial threats, including moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, reduced visibility, and the possibility of flash floods and rising sea levels.
Regional Forecasts – Monday, January 6, 2026
Several regions are under yellow alerts. In the north, Shuroorah in Najran, along with Al Aflaj, Al Sulayyil, and Wadi Al Dawasir in the Riyadh region, are forecast to experience rainfall starting Sunday evening and continuing through Monday afternoon. Al Jouf and the Northern Borders region, including Turaif, are also expected to see showers and winds reaching 40–49 km/h.
The Eastern Province, encompassing major cities like Al Jubail, Al Khobar, and Dammam, is bracing for similar conditions, with reduced visibility anticipated in Al Ahsa and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, more severe orange alerts are in effect for Al-Baha, the Makkah region, Asir, and Jazan.
Specifically, Al-Baha is expected to experience rainfall with potential for hail, lightning, and flash flooding. The Makkah region, including Taif, faces similar risks, alongside strong winds and dust. In Asir, areas like Bisha and Tathlith are under an orange alert, while Jazan’s Farsan is forecast to see high winds (50–59 km/h) and rising sea levels. The Tabuk and Madinah regions, including Al Wajh, Umluj, AlUla, and Khaybar, are also expected to receive rainfall.
Cold Temperatures and Maritime Conditions
In addition to the rainfall, the NCM reported the Kingdom’s lowest temperatures for Monday, January 5, 2026, with near-freezing conditions in northern and high-altitude areas. Turaif and Rafha recorded a chilling 1°C, while Arar and Hafar Al-Batin saw 2°C. Other areas experiencing cold temperatures included Al Qurayyat (3°C), Al Jouf (4°C), and Hail, Khamis Mushait, and Abha (5°C).
The Red Sea is expected to experience northwesterly to northerly winds at speeds of 20–40 km/h, potentially reaching 50 km/h. Wave heights are predicted to range from 1 to 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in areas with thunderstorms. Sea conditions will be light to moderate, but may become rough. The Arabian Gulf is forecast to have northwesterly to northerly winds of 20–40 km/h and wave heights of 1 to 2 meters, with light to moderate sea conditions.
The combination of cold temperatures and anticipated precipitation could create hazardous conditions, particularly in mountainous regions. The NCM is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as the weather system progresses. The potential for flash flooding remains a significant concern, especially in areas with limited drainage infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the NCM will continue to issue regular weather updates and forecasts throughout the week. Residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for the latest information and heed any safety advisories issued by local authorities. The duration and intensity of the rainfall remain subject to change, and further assessments will be conducted as the system evolves.
