A humid tropical wave will affect several regions in Saudi Arabia starting Monday.

Arab Weather - According to the latest weather maps from the Arab Weather Center, the southwestern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will gradually be affected over the coming days by a humid tropical wave accompanied by strong thunderstorms laden with heavy rain and hail, leading to flooding of valleys and ravines.

Cumulonimbus clouds on Saturday and Sunday

Cumulus clouds will initially increase during the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday and Sunday over the far southwestern highlands, leading to scattered thunderstorms that may be localized and sometimes accompanied by active downdrafts that stir up dust.

Thunderstorms to intensify starting Monday

Starting Monday, a humid tropical wave will begin to affect the region in an upward direction, with the development of cumulonimbus clouds significantly intensifying, extending to the highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. There's a possibility of them extending, in a weaker form, to the highlands of the Makkah region, especially the city of Taif. It's also possible that some thunderstorms will extend to parts of the adjacent coasts.

Thunderstorms are expected to be most active in the highlands of Jazan and Asir, accompanied by strong thunderstorms and heavy hail, which could lead to flooding of valleys and ravines in some areas.

Downwind and sandstorms

Coinciding with the thunderstorm activity, strong downward winds are expected to blow locally, stirring up dust and creating temporary sandstorms in some exposed areas, leading to reduced horizontal visibility.

Rare extension of rain towards the Empty Quarter

Forecasts also indicate the possibility of rare rainfall extending to parts of the Rub' al Khali desert during the tropical wave's influence, as a result of widespread moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea.

The Arab Weather Center recommends monitoring weather updates on a regular basis, taking precautions in sloping areas and flood-prone valleys, and avoiding crossing flowing valleys. It also recommends being aware of the dangers of heavy dust and sandstorms affecting desert roads.

And God knows best.