أمطار السعودية الغزيرة في سبتمبر 2026: دليل القيادة بسيارة مستأجرة وقت السيول

On 24 September 2026, Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology forecast continuing rain across parts of the Kingdom through Sunday, with moderate to heavy rain in areas of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah. The forecast included strong downdraft winds, very poor visibility, hail and flash-flood risk. Civil Defense has also urged people to stay away from flood-prone areas and valleys and to follow official instructions. If you are driving a rental car, keeping a schedule is never more important than keeping the vehicle and passengers out of an unsafe road.

Before driving: check the warning for that day

Weather can change quickly, so do not rely on an article you read two days earlier. Review National Center for Meteorology and Civil Defense alerts before departure and check again if your route crosses mountains, valleys or roads that collect water. If authorities advise avoiding an area or road, change the route or delay the trip.

Do not attempt to cross flood water

Water depth and current speed can be difficult to judge from inside a vehicle. A larger SUV or higher ground clearance is not a guarantee that a flooded road is safe. If water covers the road or visibility is too poor to assess it, stop in a safe place and use an officially advised alternative.

How to manage a rental car in severe rain

• Slow down and increase following distance: wet surfaces increase stopping distance.
• Use appropriate vehicle lights: the aim is to see and be seen while following road rules.
• Do not park in wadis or flood channels: even when they are dry when you arrive.
• Do not turn an off-road track into a shortcut: a detour does not override the rental contract's permitted-use conditions.
• Contact the rental company if weather disrupts the booking: ask about roadside assistance or a safe return-time adjustment rather than taking a risky route.

If the vehicle is exposed to water or damaged

Do not assume that every insurance product automatically covers flood or water damage. Coverage, excesses and exclusions vary by contract. If the car is damaged or stops, prioritise personal safety, contact the relevant authorities when needed, then the rental company. Keep photos, location and timing records only when it is safe to do so, and do not attempt major repairs or restart a water-affected vehicle without guidance.

Areas in the current forecast

The 24 September forecast identified moderate to heavy rain in parts of Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha, plus locations in Makkah Region including Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat, with lighter rain elsewhere. This list is not a substitute for live alerts because the affected area can change.

Current sources

Saudi Gazette, 24 September 2026: NCM heavy-rain and flash-flood forecast.

Saudi Gazette, 23 September 2026: Civil Defense caution for flood-prone areas and valleys.

Review the rental terms before a longer trip

If you need a vehicle during this period, compare Saudi car-rental options while checking roadside assistance and permitted-use terms. Vehicle category should never be used as a reason to take an unsafe road.

Bottom line

In severe weather, arriving late is better than entering flood water or driving with near-zero visibility. Check current alerts, avoid valleys and flood channels, and never assume a rental vehicle or insurance policy makes weather risks acceptable.