Saudi Arabia Weather Forecast: Thunderstorms Expected Wednesday

The National Center for Meteorology has issued a weather forecast for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, warning of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and leading to flash floods, in parts of the Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, and Najran regions. The center also anticipates gusty, dust-stirring winds in these regions, as well as the northern parts of the Eastern Region, and parts of Tabuk, Riyadh, and Qassim. Fog may form during the night and early morning hours in coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

Context and Background

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is the official Saudi authority responsible for meteorological monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems across the Kingdom. Its daily forecasts are essential for public safety, particularly during seasonal weather patterns that can bring sudden storms and flash floods to the southwestern highlands and coastal areas.

This forecast comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in advanced weather monitoring technologies and early warning systems as part of its Vision 2030 goals to enhance quality of life and public safety. The NCM’s work supports a wide range of sectors, from agriculture to aviation, and helps protect communities from adverse weather events.

Key Details

According to the NCM, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected in the Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, and Najran regions. These storms may be accompanied by hail and could lead to flash floods in vulnerable areas. Residents and travelers in these regions are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Gusty, dust-stirring winds are forecast for the same regions, as well as the northern parts of the Eastern Region and parts of Tabuk, Riyadh, and Qassim. These conditions may reduce visibility and affect air quality, particularly in open areas.

Fog is likely to form during the night and early morning hours in coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. This could impact road travel and maritime activities, so caution is advised.

Marine Conditions

Over the Red Sea, winds will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 15-35 km/h, and southeasterly to southwesterly at speeds of 10-50 km/h. Waves may range from half a meter to over two meters, and the sea will be calm to choppy. Mariners should be aware of potentially rough conditions in some areas.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly at speeds of 10-25 km/h, and northwesterly to northeasterly at speeds of 10-30 km/h. Waves will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and the sea will be relatively calm. These conditions are more favorable for maritime activities, but standard precautions still apply.

Implications and Impact

The forecasted thunderstorms and flash floods pose risks to local communities, infrastructure, and agriculture in the affected regions. The NCM’s timely warnings allow authorities to prepare and respond effectively, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety.

Dust-stirring winds can exacerbate respiratory issues and reduce visibility on roads, while fog may disrupt transportation networks. These weather patterns highlight the importance of continued investment in meteorological infrastructure and public awareness campaigns.

Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s advanced weather forecasting capabilities contribute to regional stability and safety, particularly for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. The Kingdom’s proactive approach aligns with global best practices in disaster risk reduction.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This weather forecast underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and quality of life, key pillars of Vision 2030. By providing accurate and timely weather information, the National Center for Meteorology supports the Kingdom’s goals of sustainable development, resilient infrastructure, and improved living standards for all citizens and visitors. As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize and diversify, investments in science and technology will remain central to achieving a prosperous future.

20 Questions

Q1. What regions are expected to experience thunderstorms on Wednesday?

A1. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected in parts of the Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, and Najran regions, according to the National Center for Meteorology.

Q2. What additional weather phenomena are forecast alongside the thunderstorms?

A2. The thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail and could lead to flash floods. Gusty, dust-stirring winds are also expected in these regions and others.

Q3. Which areas will experience dust-stirring winds?

A3. Dust-stirring winds are forecast for the Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, and Najran regions, as well as the northern parts of the Eastern Region, and parts of Tabuk, Riyadh, and Qassim.

Q4. Where might fog form during the night and early morning?

A4. Fog may form in coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf during the night and early morning hours.

Q5. What are the wind conditions expected over the Red Sea?

A5. Winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at 15-35 km/h, and southeasterly to southwesterly at 10-50 km/h, with waves from half a meter to over two meters.

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

A6. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly at 10-25 km/h, and northwesterly to northeasterly at 10-30 km/h, with waves from half a meter to one and a half meters.

Q7. What is the expected sea state in the Red Sea?

A7. The sea in the Red Sea will be calm to choppy, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to over two meters.

Q8. What is the expected sea state in the Arabian Gulf?

A8. The Arabian Gulf will be relatively calm, with wave heights between half a meter and one and a half meters.

Q9. Which agency issued this weather forecast?

A9. The forecast was issued by the National Center for Meteorology, the official Saudi authority for meteorological monitoring and forecasting.

Q10. What is the primary role of the National Center for Meteorology?

A10. The NCM is responsible for meteorological monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems across Saudi Arabia, supporting public safety and various sectors.

Q11. How does this forecast support Vision 2030?

A11. It enhances public safety and quality of life, key Vision 2030 goals, by providing timely weather information and supporting resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.

Q12. What are the potential impacts of flash floods?

A12. Flash floods can pose risks to local communities, infrastructure, and agriculture, but timely warnings allow authorities to prepare and respond effectively.

Q13. How can dust-stirring winds affect public health?

A13. Dust-stirring winds can exacerbate respiratory issues and reduce visibility on roads, necessitating precautions, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Q14. What precautions should mariners take in the Red Sea?

A14. Mariners should be aware of potentially rough conditions and monitor updates from the NCM, as sea states can range from calm to choppy with waves up to two meters.

Q15. Are there any advisories for travelers in the affected regions?

A15. Travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to flash floods and reduced visibility.

Q16. How does Saudi Arabia’s weather forecasting benefit international visitors?

A16. Accurate forecasts help ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, by allowing them to plan and avoid hazardous conditions.

Q17. What technological investments has Saudi Arabia made in meteorology?

A17. Saudi Arabia has invested in advanced weather monitoring technologies and early warning systems to enhance accuracy and timeliness of forecasts, aligning with Vision 2030.

Q18. When is the fog expected to form and dissipate?

A18. Fog may form during the night and early morning hours in coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, potentially affecting travel until it clears.

Q19. How can the public access updates from the National Center for Meteorology?

A19. The public can access updates through official NCM channels, including their website and social media, as well as through announcements by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q20. What is the significance of the NCM’s warnings for regional stability?

A20. The NCM’s warnings contribute to regional stability by protecting lives, property, and infrastructure, and by enabling coordinated responses to weather-related emergencies.

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