Jeddah | Will it rain in August?

Arab Weather - Sinan Khalaf - As we approach August, and indications of varying amounts of tropical moisture flowing into the region increase, questions abound about the likelihood of Jeddah experiencing weather fluctuations and thunderstorms, similar to the areas extending from the Jazan Mountains to the Makkah Mountains. We turned to the weather forecasting team at the Arab Weather Regional Center, who responded as follows:

How do weather systems affect the weather in August?

Every August, weather systems undergo radical changes. A subtropical high pressure system (ATCZ) is centered north of the Arabian Peninsula, allowing the ITCZ to advance northward, reaching its maximum extent in the Arabian Peninsula. This opens the door to the influx of tropical moisture from Jazan to Taif and Makkah, leading to unstable weather conditions and rainfall in these regions.

The impact of thunderstorms on Mecca and Jeddah

Experts at the Arab Weather Regional Center believe that the weather fluctuations in Jeddah during August are linked to cumulonimbus clouds affecting Makkah and the holy sites. The remnants of these clouds move westward toward Jeddah, often in the form of high and medium-level clouds. At times, they retain their strength, leading to showers of varying intensity, which may be accompanied by downdrafts and dust.

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Conclusion: The possibility of weather fluctuations and rain clouds extending from Makkah to Jeddah is likely during August. Jeddah may also be affected by dust waves resulting from downdrafts accompanying thunderstorms that have affected Makkah and surrounding areas.