Madinah experiences flooding and desert landscape changes

Heavy rainfall in the Madinah Province of Saudi Arabia has transformed desert landscapes into flowing water, creating river-like streams across previously arid areas. The intense precipitation, which lasted for several days in late August 2026, has drawn significant attention from locals and off-road enthusiasts observing the changing terrain.

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of continued extreme weather, including potential thunderstorms and high winds carrying dust and sand. These conditions may cause visibility to drop to near zero in Madinah and other regions such as Riyadh, Qassim, and Tabuk. Saudi Highway Security has advised motorists to exercise caution due to these hazards.

Coinciding with these weather shifts, astronomers have noted the appearance of the Suhail star (Canopus), a seasonal phenomenon. Experts indicate that the visibility of the star varies by region, appearing in southern Jazan in early August before moving toward central and northern parts of the Kingdom.