Summer thunderstorms to affect 8 Arab countries on Saturday and Sunday

Large parts of the Arab world will remain under the influence of a summer-like weather instability on Saturday, July 17, 2026, and Sunday, as the latest weather analyses indicate the activity of cumulonimbus clouds and rainfall of varying intensity over 8 Arab countries, which may be locally heavy during short periods, with the possibility of flash floods and the flow of valleys and streams in some areas.

According to the latest outputs of numerical models at the Weather Forecasting Center of Arab Weather, the weather condition includes Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Sudan, as a result of the availability of supporting weather factors represented by the flow of moisture and the activity of rising currents over the mountainous regions.

This situation is part of the usual summer weather patterns, during which mountainous areas experience daily activity of cumulonimbus clouds during the afternoon and evening hours, although some areas may experience heavy local rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and hail showers.

Which areas are most affected by the weather conditions?

The areas most likely to be affected in the coming days include:

• The Hajar Mountains in Oman and the UAE have daily chances of thunderstorms.
• The southwestern highlands of Saudi Arabia, especially Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha.
• The western highlands of Yemen are experiencing chances of heavy rain and flash floods.
• The mountainous and northern regions of Morocco and Algeria are experiencing thunderstorm activity.
• South Sudan is a result of the continued flow of tropical moisture.

Oman and the UAE: Thunderstorms continue over the highlands

The chances of cumulonimbus cloud formation over the Hajar Mountains in the Sultanate of Oman, especially the western and eastern Hajar, will continue during the afternoon hours, with varying intensities of thunderstorms expected, which may be locally heavy, with the possibility of hail showers and downdraft activity.

Heavy rainfall in some areas may lead to the flow of valleys and streams, especially in low-lying areas and valley courses.

There are also continued chances of thunderstorms forming over parts of Dhofar Governorate, with localized thunderstorms.

In the UAE, cumulus cloud activity is expected over the eastern highlands, with the possibility of them sometimes extending towards some inland areas, causing scattered summer thunderstorms.

Saudi Arabia: Daily thunderstorms expected in the southwestern highlands

Daily chances of thunderstorms continue over the highlands of Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha, with the possibility of some rain clouds extending towards parts of the Makkah region.

These rains result from the daily activity of mountain clouds during the afternoon, and may be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and downdrafts in some locations.

It is advisable to follow the updates issued by the National Center for Meteorology, especially given the changing nature of summer thunderstorms.

Yemen: Heavy rains, lightning, and potential for flash floods

Forecasts indicate that the western highlands of Yemen will continue to be affected by a state of atmospheric instability, with renewed activity of cumulonimbus thunderclouds during the coming days.

Thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, are expected, in addition to hail showers and lightning strikes, which increase the chances of valleys overflowing and flash floods forming in some areas.

Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia: Thunderstorm activity expected in the coming days

Large areas of northern and central Morocco are experiencing frequent activity of cumulonimbus clouds, especially over mountainous regions, with chances of thunderstorms of varying intensity that may be accompanied by hail, lightning and thunder.

In Algeria and Tunisia, the chances of thunderstorms are concentrated in the northern interior regions, and may be accompanied by active downdrafts that stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility, in addition to the possibility of locally heavy rainfall.

Sudan: Thunderstorm activity continues due to tropical humidity.

The flow of tropical moisture from the south towards Sudan continues, supporting the renewed formation of cumulonimbus clouds and rainfall over large areas of the south of the country.

The chances of rain will remain during the coming period, with varying intensity from one region to another.

Important weather alert

Due to the local and variable nature of summer cumulonimbus clouds, the intensity of rainfall and its areas of impact may change from day to day, so it is advisable to follow continuous weather updates and adhere to warnings issued by official authorities.