Pictures: Heavy rainfall in several parts of Saudi including Makkah

A weather warning has been issued by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection, with heavy rain and thunder predicted in several parts of the country.

The authority warned of thunder and rains accompanied by dust storms were forecast in Taif, Makkah, Maysan and Aljoum and the surrounding areas, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Images posted on social media showed rain pouring on the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Over 2,000 workers were mobilised for the drainage and rafting of rainwater, Saudi’s Center for International Communication said.

Extraordinary scenes in the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah as rain poured on the @HolyKaaba, bringing joy to the visitors of the holy sites. Over 2,000 workers were mobilized for the drainage and rafting of rainwater. #RamadhanKareem #SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/VbWAMwuiYq

— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) May 22, 2019

Rain In MakkaH? pic.twitter.com/nhx18pVzmF

— velly_log (@LogVelly) May 22, 2019

Videos and images also showed worshippers enjoying the rains in Makkah over the last few days.

Yesterday's blessed #Rain in #Makkah.. #Ramadan2019 pic.twitter.com/yomzp3reD5

— Saudi-Expatriates (@saudiexpat) May 20, 2019

Emotional Scenes In Makkah During Rain 15 Ramadan 1440Ah pic.twitter.com/itsOhSApWJ

— sheikh nazeer??‍♂️ (@nmaileda) May 21, 2019

The Saudi met department has also issued an alert about moderate to heavy thunderstorms accompanied by rain and dusty winds in Al-Baha, Al-Aqiq, Al-Mahwah, Al-Qubra, Al-Zaid, Al-Qalaoua, Al-Khalj, and the adjacent parts.

The rains may lead to flooding in the area, it said.

A thunderstorm alert was also issued in the Najran area, with warning of low visibility.

The Department of Civil Defense urged residents to keep away from the wadis and flooded areas and take precautions.