Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and Heat Warnings Issued

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – August 25, 2026 – The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued its detailed weather forecast for Tuesday, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty, dust-stirring winds across parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah regions. The forecast also highlights high maximum temperatures in the Eastern Region, with active surface winds and potential thundercloud development in its southern parts and areas of Najran.

Context and Background

The National Center for Meteorology is the Kingdom’s official body responsible for monitoring and predicting weather conditions, providing essential data for public safety, aviation, maritime navigation, and various economic sectors. Tuesday’s forecast underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to proactive public alert systems, reflecting a modern infrastructure aligned with the highest international meteorological standards. The NCM’s precise advisories enable residents and authorities to plan activities safely, especially during periods of severe weather, which are not uncommon in the region’s climatic pattern.

Key Details

According to the NCM advisory, regions such as Jazan and Aseer are likely to experience moderate to heavy thunderstorms, with occasional hail and strong winds that may stir dust and reduce horizontal visibility. Similar conditions are expected over parts of Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. Meanwhile, the Eastern Region—known for its extreme heat—will see maximum temperatures remaining significantly high, with the possibility of thunderstorm formation in southern areas of the region and parts of Najran.

For the Red Sea, winds will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 15–45 km/h in the northern and central sectors, and 10–50 km/h in the southern sector. Wave heights are forecast to range from half a meter to over two meters, making sea conditions from calm to choppy. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to westerly, shifting later to southeasterly to southwesterly in the north and center, while the south will see a shift from southeasterly to northwesterly. Gulf wind speeds will reach 10–28 km/h, with waves generally around half a meter to one meter, and the sea will be calm overall.

Implications and Impact

These weather conditions have significant implications for transportation and public safety. The NCM’s advisories help prepare civil defense forces, airport authorities, and maritime operators to take necessary precautions. For instance, the choppy Red Sea conditions may affect shipping routes and port operations, while dust storms could temporarily impact visibility for drivers and fliers. The forecast also informs citizens in the affected areas to seek shelter during thunderstorms, protecting lives and property. The proactive dissemination of such data strengthens Saudi Arabia’s resilience to extreme weather events and bolsters its reputation as a leader in regional climate monitoring.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the national strategic roadmap, recognizes that advanced meteorological services are essential to achieving its ambitious goals. The country’s investments in the National Center for Meteorology support infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capability—key pillars of the Vision’s “Vibrant Society” and “Ambitious Nation” themes. These forecasting services enhance public safety and enable economic growth, especially in aviation, maritime trade, and tourism, which are central to economic diversification. As the Kingdom continues to modernize its services and embrace technology, it advances the resilience of its communities and contributes to a better quality of life for its citizens and visitors.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the National Center for Meteorology?

A1. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is Saudi Arabia’s official governmental institution responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings, and climate data to ensure public safety and support decision-makers across various sectors.

Q2. Which regions in Saudi Arabia were affected by thunderstorms on Tuesday?

A2. The forecast highlighted thunderstorm activity in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah regions, accompanied by hail and dust-stirring winds.

Q3. What caused the dusty conditions in some areas?

A3. The strong winds associated with thunderstorms, moving at speeds of 15 to 45 km/h, may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility in the affected regions.

Q4. How high were the temperatures in the Eastern Region?

A4. The Eastern Region is experiencing very high maximum temperatures, as typically expected in the coastal areas, though the forecast did not specify exact figures.

Q5. What sea conditions were forecasted for the Red Sea?

A5. Winds from northwesterly to westerly are expected, at speeds of 15-45 km/h in the northern and central parts, and 10-50 km/h in the southern part, with waves up to over two meters, making the sea calm to choppy.

Q6. Are there any weather warnings for the Arabian Gulf?

A6. The Arabian Gulf is expected to have calm seas, with winds of 10-28 km/h, and waves between half a meter and one meter. Conditions remain generally safe for maritime activities.

Q7. How does the NCM provide this weather forecast to the public?

A7. The NCM disseminates forecasts through its official website, mobile apps, and partnership with news agencies like the Saudi Press Agency, ensuring timely reach to all citizens and residents.

Q8. Why is it important to monitor thunderstorm conditions?

A8. Thunderstorms may lead to flash floods, hail, and high winds that risk lives and property. They also affect aviation and traffic operations, so monitoring is crucial for safety and mitigation measures.

Q9. What protective measures can residents take during a thunderstorm?

A9. Residents should stay indoors, avoid open grounds, avoid water accumulation, and follow the instructions of authorities. In case of emergencies, contact the official emergency services.

Q10. How does the NCM’s forecasting support Vision 2030?

A10. Reliable weather data supports aviation, maritime, and urban planning sectors, which are fundamental to economic diversification and improving the quality of life—a central pillar of Vision 2030.

Q11. How does dust weather affect health and traffic?

A11. Dust can reduce air quality and visibility, leading to health issues such as asthma attacks. It also increases the risk of accidents on highways; thus, authorities often advise slowing down and switching on headlights.

Q12. Are there any specific areas in Jazan expected to receive the heaviest storms?

A12. The NCM generally provides region-wide advisories, but the specific areas within Jazan would be further refined by local forecasts and high-resolution models, which are accessible via NCM’s platforms.

Q13. How does the NCM issue weather warnings?

A13. The NCM issues color-coded warnings (e.g., yellow, orange, red) based on severity, indicating the level of potential impact and the required public response.

Q14. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency in weather reporting?

A14. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) communicates official statements and updates from the NCM, acting as a reliable source of information for all media outlets and the public.

Q15. Why are wind speeds important for maritime industries?

A15. Wind speeds influence wave heights and sea conditions, which affect maritime navigation, fishing, and shipping schedules; knowing them helps crews to adjust routes and safety to prevent delays or accidents.

Q16. How frequently does the NCM update its forecasts?

A16. The NCM provides updated forecasts multiple times daily, with more frequent advisories during severe weather events, ensuring the public has the latest information.

Q17. Does the weather forecast include any specific advice for tourists?

A17. Tourists are advised to check the local weather updates daily, especially if planning outdoor activities, and to be prepared for sudden weather shifts in desert and coastal areas.

Q18. What is the significance of the Red Sea wind pattern in general?

A18. The Red Sea winds are crucial for navigation, fishing, and recreational boating. Sustainable management of maritime activities helps support the tourism sector, one of Vision 2030’s growing sectors.

Q19. How does the Kingdom’s climate impact the daily lifestyle?

A19. The climate influences daily planning, such as work shifts, school hours, and outdoor events. The NCM’s forecasts enable the state and the public to make timely decisions that preserve health and productivity.

Q20. Are there any plans to expand weather monitoring in Saudi Arabia?

A20. Yes, under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing in advanced radars, satellites, and AI-based prediction models to enhance its meteorological infrastructure and to support climate adaptation and disaster resilience.

---