When the first dark clouds appear over the desert, many residents and visitors in Saudi Arabia ask the same questions: will the rain reach my neighbourhood, and how long will it last? This guide explains how to use our live rain radar for Saudi Arabia, how to read its colours, and when to switch to the forecast for your city.
What is a rain radar map?
A rain radar map shows where rain is falling right now and how intense it is. On our rain radar page you will find a map of the whole Kingdom with several layers:
- Precipitation: shows where rain is falling and how heavy it is.
- Clouds: helps you see cloud masses moving in, even before they bring rain.
- Temperature: lets you compare temperatures between regions.
- Wind: shows the direction and strength of the wind, useful on dusty or stormy days.
You can switch between layers, zoom in on your area and reset the view at any time.
How to read the colours on the rain map
The darker the colour, the heavier the rain:
- Light blue: light rain or drizzle.
- Medium blue: moderate rain.
- Dark blue or purple: heavy rain, often linked to thunderstorms.
If you see no colour over your area, it usually means there is no rain at that moment. Switch to the clouds layer to check whether clouds are approaching.
Rain radar vs. weather forecast
The radar answers one question: where is it raining now? The forecast answers another: will it rain later? The best approach is to use both together:
- Check the rain radar to see the current situation across the country.
- Then open your city page to see the chance of rain hour by hour for the next 24 hours, and the expected rainfall day by day for 15 days. Try Riyadh weather, Jeddah weather, Mecca weather or Dammam weather.
When is the rain radar most useful?
Searches for a rain radar in Saudi Arabia rise sharply during the rainy season, which in most regions runs from late autumn to spring. In the southwestern highlands around Abha and Al Baha, afternoon storms are also common in summer. The radar is especially useful for:
- Sudden thunderstorms that form and move quickly.
- Planning road trips between cities or a day out in the desert.
- Watching clouds heading towards your city before they arrive.
- Timing your commute around a heavy downpour.
To learn more about when and where rain usually falls, read our guide to the rainy season and flash floods in Saudi Arabia.
Flash floods: why caution matters even when rain is far away
In mountain areas and valleys (wadis), rain can fall far from where you are and the water can still reach you hours later as a flash flood. Keep these rules in mind:
- Never cross wadis or flood channels during rain or right after it, even if the water looks shallow.
- Do not rely on the radar alone for desert trips. Follow the alerts of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and the instructions of Civil Defense.
- Avoid tunnels and underpasses during heavy downpours, as water can collect quickly.
- Stay away from power poles and standing water during thunderstorms.
Practical tips for rainy days
- Check the radar before leaving home and again before driving back.
- Allow extra travel time: roads can become slippery after a long dry spell.
- Keep your phone charged so you can receive official alerts.
- If you see lightning or hear thunder, move indoors and stay there until the storm has passed.
FAQ about the rain radar
Is the rain map live?
The rain data on our website is refreshed regularly throughout the day and is based on global weather models and observations. For short, local showers, also check your city's hourly forecast.
How do I know if it will rain tomorrow in my city?
Open your city page: you will find the chance of rain for each hour and the expected rainfall for each day. For example, see Medina weather or Taif weather.
Does the radar work on mobile?
Yes. The rain radar page is designed for phones: pinch to zoom on the map and switch between the rain, clouds and temperature layers.
Is the radar an official warning service?
No. Our radar is an information tool. For official warnings, always follow the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and Civil Defense.
