RIYADH: In much-awaited relief from the searing heat of this summer, most of the regions in Saudi Arabia, including Makkah, Jazan, Najran and Asir, will experience moderate to heavy rainfall starting Thursday. The welcome rain will continue until the middle of the next week, according to the forecast by the National Center of Meteorology. The center forecast on Wednesday issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall in Makkah, accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, flash floods, hail and thunderstorms. It indicated that these conditions are expected to persist until 9 p.m.