Heavy rain with thunder and lightning fell in Madinah Munawwarah on the night of August 25,2025 continuing through the early hours of August 26. The event began at the onset of Rabi ul Awwal 2025, or month of the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that was considered by many to have been baran-e-rahmat (rain of mercy).
Rain in Madina Munawwarah During Rabi ul Awwal
The downpour started around sunset on August 25 and lasted intermittently until the morning of August 26. Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ, along with nearby districts including Masjid Quba, Al-Sultana, and Al-Suwaidriya, experienced the heaviest showers. Videos that were shared on the social media showed the pilgrims kneeling in prayers even under the rain with some of them thanking and crediting it as a sign of blessing.
Weather in Saudi Arabia
According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the rainfall was linked to a low-pressure system and seasonal thunderclouds forming over western Saudi Arabia. Temperatures in Madinah Munawwarah dropped from 42°C to 30°C following the rain, creating a noticeable change in weather conditions.
The rain also had the pilgrims and residents post videos and texts on social media using hash tags like #RabiulAwwal2025 and #RainInMadinah, showing the coincidence of the rain to the start of the Islamic month. The outpour was finally called by many the rain of mercy in Madina Munawwarah and a symbol of gratitude during Rabi ul Awwal 2025.
Meteorological reports have indicated that Saudi Arabia has above normal chances of experiencing dry weather over the next few days after rain tops. Only the Madinah governorates have minimal chances of recording spontaneous rains. Daytime highs will resume in the 42-44 degree range at the end of August.
Rainfall in Madinah Munawwarah is culturally and spiritually important to Muslims across the world in the month of Rabi ul Awwal. In Islamic tradition, rain would be seen as barakah (blessing), in particular when it falls in holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The coincidence of this rainfall with the onset of Rabi ul Awal month in Saudi Arabia 2025 has given pilgrims and the visitors a spiritual emphasis.
.){kind=link}