Saudi Arabia Weather Forecast for Thursday: Rain, Hail, Winds

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy rain, flash floods, and hail for parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Najran, and Madinah regions on Thursday, September 10, 2026. In an official bulletin released through the Saudi Press Agency, the center also warned that thunderclouds are likely to form over parts of the Eastern Region, while fog is expected over its coastal parts, as well as in the Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah regions. Gusty, dust-stirring winds will blow in parts of these areas and parts of Riyadh Region, the center said, urging the public to follow official updates and take necessary precautions.

Context and Background

The National Center for Meteorology is Saudi Arabia’s official authority for weather monitoring, forecasting, and climate services. Its daily bulletins provide essential information for citizens, residents, pilgrims, travelers, and maritime operators across the Kingdom. Thursday’s outlook reflects seasonal weather patterns that can bring rapid changes to the southwestern highlands and coastal areas, where heavy rain and flash floods are possible. The center’s early warnings are designed to support public safety and help authorities coordinate responses where needed.

Key Details

According to the forecast, moderate to heavy rain, flash floods, and hail will affect parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Najran, and Madinah regions. Thunderclouds are likely over parts of the Eastern Region, and fog is expected over its coastal parts, as well as Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah regions. Gusty, dust-stirring winds will blow in parts of these regions and parts of Riyadh Region.

At sea, winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. Waves may range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and the sea will be relatively calm. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northeasterly to northerly at speeds of 10 to 25 kilometers per hour. Waves may range from half a meter to one meter, and the sea will be calm.

Implications and Impact

The forecast has practical implications for travel, outdoor activities, agriculture, and maritime operations. Heavy rain and flash floods can make roads hazardous, especially in valleys and low-lying areas, while hail may damage crops, vehicles, and property. Dust-stirring winds can reduce visibility, and fog may affect morning and evening commutes in several regions. Authorities are expected to monitor conditions closely, and the public is advised to rely on official updates from the National Center for Meteorology and civil defense channels.

For international visitors and pilgrims, the weather may influence travel plans to Makkah and Madinah. Tourists and worshippers should allow extra time, follow local guidance, and check official advisories before setting out. Maritime conditions in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf remain generally manageable, but sailors and coastal operators should continue to monitor the center’s marine bulletins.

20 Questions

Q1. What weather conditions has the National Center for Meteorology forecast for Thursday in Saudi Arabia?

A1. The National Center for Meteorology forecasts moderate to heavy rain, flash floods, and hail in parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Najran, and Madinah regions. Thunderclouds are also likely over parts of the Eastern Region, with fog expected along its coastal areas.

Q2. Which regions are expected to receive moderate to heavy rain on Thursday?

A2. Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Najran, and Madinah regions are expected to receive moderate to heavy rain. These areas may also experience flash floods and hail, according to the National Center for Meteorology’s official forecast.

Q3. Where are thunderclouds likely to form according to the forecast?

A3. Thunderclouds are likely to form over parts of the Eastern Region. The National Center for Meteorology also expects fog over the Eastern Region’s coastal parts, as well as in the Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah regions.

Q4. What wind conditions are forecast for the affected regions?

A4. Gusty, dust-stirring winds will blow in parts of the regions expecting rain, as well as in parts of Riyadh Region. These winds may reduce visibility and affect travel, so residents should follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions.

Q5. What are the expected wind speeds and wave conditions in the Red Sea?

A5. Winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. Waves may range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and the sea will be relatively calm.

Q6. What are the expected wind speeds and wave conditions in the Arabian Gulf?

A6. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northeasterly to northerly at speeds of 10 to 25 kilometers per hour. Waves may range from half a meter to one meter, and the sea will be calm, according to the National Center for Meteorology.

Q7. Which agency issued the weather forecast?

A7. The forecast was issued by the National Center for Meteorology, Saudi Arabia’s official meteorological authority. The center monitors weather patterns and provides timely warnings and updates to help protect public safety, support economic activities, and guide travelers across the Kingdom.

Q8. Why is the National Center for Meteorology’s forecast important for public safety?

A8. The forecast helps residents, travelers, and authorities prepare for heavy rain, flash floods, hail, dust-stirring winds, and fog. Early warnings enable safer decisions, such as avoiding flood-prone valleys, adjusting travel plans, and following official guidance during severe weather conditions.

Q9. What should residents in affected regions do during heavy rain and flash floods?

A9. Residents should monitor official updates from the National Center for Meteorology and civil defense authorities. They should avoid valleys, low-lying areas, and flood-prone roads, secure loose objects, and follow safety instructions. Preparedness and calm adherence to guidance help protect lives and property.

Q10. How might the weather affect travel in Saudi Arabia on Thursday?

A10. Heavy rain, hail, dust-stirring winds, and fog may reduce visibility and make roads slippery in affected regions. Travelers should check official weather and traffic updates, allow extra time, drive cautiously, and postpone non-essential trips to areas under flood warnings.

Q11. Which coastal areas may experience fog?

A11. Fog is expected over the coastal parts of the Eastern Region, as well as in the Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah regions. Motorists in these areas should use low-beam headlights, maintain safe distances, and remain alert for sudden changes in visibility.

Q12. What does relatively calm mean for the Red Sea in this forecast?

A12. Relatively calm means wave heights are expected to remain between half a meter and one and a half meters, with northwesterly to westerly winds at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. This indicates manageable conditions for most maritime activities, though sailors should still follow official updates.

Q13. What does calm mean for the Arabian Gulf in this forecast?

A13. Calm means waves in the Arabian Gulf may range from half a meter to one meter, with northeasterly to northerly winds at 10 to 25 kilometers per hour. These conditions are generally favorable for maritime traffic, fishing, and recreational boating.

Q14. How does the forecast reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public welfare?

A14. The National Center for Meteorology’s timely forecast reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public welfare by providing accurate, official information. It enables authorities to issue warnings, coordinate emergency responses, and help citizens, residents, and visitors make informed decisions during changing weather conditions.

Q15. What role does the National Center for Meteorology play in Saudi Arabia?

A15. The National Center for Meteorology is the Kingdom’s official authority for weather monitoring, forecasting, and climate services. It issues daily updates, severe weather warnings, and marine forecasts that support aviation, agriculture, tourism, pilgrimage, maritime operations, and public safety across Saudi Arabia.

Q16. How can the public access official weather updates from the National Center for Meteorology?

A16. The public can access official updates through the National Center for Meteorology’s website and verified social media channels. Saudi news agencies, including the Saudi Press Agency, also publish the center’s forecasts. Following only official sources helps avoid misinformation during severe weather.

Q17. What are flash floods, and why are they dangerous?

A17. Flash floods are rapid rises in water levels caused by heavy rainfall, often in valleys and low-lying areas. They are dangerous because they can occur suddenly, move quickly, and carry debris. Residents should avoid these areas and follow civil defense instructions.

Q18. What is the significance of hail in the forecast?

A18. Hail can damage crops, vehicles, and property, and may injure people if they are caught outdoors. The National Center for Meteorology’s warning helps farmers, drivers, and residents take protective measures, such as sheltering vehicles and staying indoors during severe thunderstorms.

Q19. How might the weather affect religious and tourist visits in Makkah and Madinah?

A19. Heavy rain and flash floods may affect travel routes and outdoor activities in Makkah and Madinah. Pilgrims and tourists should follow official guidance, allow extra travel time, and check updates from authorities to ensure their visits remain safe and well organized.

Q20. How does this weather forecast align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A20. The forecast supports Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing quality of life, public safety, and climate resilience. Accurate weather information helps protect communities, sustain economic activity, support tourism and pilgrimage, and strengthen the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure and emergency preparedness systems.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Accurate and timely weather forecasting is an important part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts under Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life, protect communities, and build resilient, modern infrastructure. Reliable climate and marine information supports safe tourism and pilgrimage, strengthens emergency preparedness, and helps key sectors plan with confidence. As the Kingdom continues to expand its global role, the National Center for Meteorology’s work contributes to a safer, more sustainable, and more connected Saudi Arabia.

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