Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of moderate to heavy rain, flash floods and hail across parts of the Kingdom's western and southwestern regions, including areas that pilgrims pass through on their way to and from the holy cities. The forecast, carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, covers parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir and Jazan regions, with lighter rain and dust-raising winds expected in Madinah and Najran.
The warning arrives during the early weeks of the 1448 AH Umrah season, when large numbers of worshippers are already travelling to Makkah and Madinah. Pilgrims currently in the Kingdom, or preparing to depart in the coming days, are advised to plan around the unsettled weather and to follow official alerts closely.
What the forecast covers
According to the NCM, the Makkah region faces moderate to heavy rain capable of causing flooding, along with hail and downdrafts that can raise dust and reduce visibility. The center named Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat among the areas most likely to see the heaviest rainfall. Lighter to moderate rain was forecast for Makkah city itself, as well as Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Al-Lith and Al-Qunfudhah.
Madinah and Najran were expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with dust-stirring winds also forecast in those areas and parts of the Riyadh region. Over the Red Sea, the NCM reported northwesterly to westerly winds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with wave heights of 0.5 to 1.5 metres and generally calm sea conditions.
Civil Defense urges caution
The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued an advisory, based on NCM information, warning that thunderstorms could continue across parts of the Kingdom through Monday. The directorate urged residents and visitors to remain in safe places, stay well away from valleys and low-lying areas where floodwaters gather, and avoid crossing or swimming in flood channels.
Civil Defense also called on the public to follow instructions issued through official media and social media channels rather than relying on rumours. For pilgrims unfamiliar with the local geography, this guidance is especially important, as valleys around Makkah and Taif can fill quickly during heavy downpours.
Part of a wetter autumn outlook
The latest alert fits a broader seasonal pattern. The NCM's September to November climate outlook, released last month, projected above-average rainfall across much of the Kingdom this autumn. October is expected to be the wettest month, with rainfall in some areas potentially reaching heavy to very heavy, and in places torrential, levels.
The center said above-average rainfall is likely in October across most regions, including Makkah and Madinah, with the probability ranging from 40 to 70 percent. The wetter pattern is forecast to continue into November in several regions. The NCM cautioned, however, that sudden localised downpours may not be fully captured by long-range models and are better tracked through short-term forecasts and same-day alerts.
Practical advice for pilgrims
Pilgrims performing Umrah during this period can take several sensible precautions. Check the NCM forecast and Civil Defense advisories each morning, and build extra time into any travel between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah in case road conditions or flights are affected. Keep waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear on hand, since the courtyards and open areas around the Grand Mosque can become slippery in the rain.
Those travelling by road or planning day trips to sites around Makkah and Taif should avoid driving through flooded valleys, however shallow the water may appear. Pilgrims should also keep phones charged and the Nusuk app accessible for permits, maps and emergency contacts, and should heed any instructions from mosque authorities and security staff. Rain in the Haramain is often welcomed as a mercy, but taking simple safety measures allows worshippers to continue their rites with peace of mind.