Accompanied by hail, more than seven Arab countries will be affected by seasonal rains this weekend.

Arab Weather - Forecasts indicate renewed chances of thunderstorms in a number of Arab countries on Friday and Saturday, as the region continues to be affected by atmospheric instability, accompanied by the growth of cumulus clouds during the afternoon and evening hours, and localized showers of rain of varying intensity and geographical spread.

Thunderstorms in parts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen

In detail, the highlands of Jazan and Asir in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are expected to witness cumulus clouds beginning in the afternoon, with the possibility of localized thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times in limited areas and narrow geographical regions.

Rainfall will also affect the western highlands of Yemen, where light to moderate rainfall is expected, with active surface winds causing dust storms in some desert areas.

The chances of thunderstorms will extend to parts of Qatar and Bahrain, to a limited extent, with the possibility of showers in some areas.

Seasonal rains continue in the mountains of Oman and the UAE.

In the Sultanate of Oman, seasonal rainfall continues over the Al Hajar Mountains, with local cumulonimbus clouds increasing during the afternoon and evening hours. This will lead to rainfall of varying intensity, which may sometimes extend to the eastern mountains of the UAE, especially in mountainous areas where cumulonimbus cloud activity is most prevalent.

A complex state of atmospheric instability over the Maghreb

A complex state of atmospheric instability is forming over three Arab countries: Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This creates thunderclouds that grow to high levels in the atmosphere, accompanied by severe weather phenomena such as (very heavy rains, thunderstorms and lightning, strong hailstorms with large hailstones, and strong downdrafts). The terrain and topography of the land contribute to the air lift process, especially in the Atlas Mountains and neighboring areas. Mountain valleys and low-lying areas are vulnerable to sudden torrential flash floods, in addition to the increased risk of flooding in several areas due to the large amounts of rainfall expected in some areas.

Summer monsoon rains are a common phenomenon.

The rains experienced in these areas during this period are part of the summer monsoon, a natural and recurring phenomenon at this time of year, resulting from the influence of seasonal weather changes that lead to the proliferation of cumulus clouds and the occasional formation of thunderstorms.

These rains are important for recharging groundwater and renewing vegetation in mountainous areas, although they can sometimes cause local flooding in low-lying areas.