Saudi Arabia Records Lowest Dust Storm Levels in Over 25 Years

Saudi Arabia recorded its lowest level of dust and sandstorm activity in more than 25 years during June 2026, with dust events falling 99% below historical averages, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM).

The NCM said June saw an almost complete absence of dust and sandstorms across the Kingdom, marking the lowest level recorded since monitoring began more than two decades ago. The findings were detailed in the June report issued by the Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms.

According to the report, the Northern Borders region recorded a 100% decline in dust storm activity. Central Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Qassim and Al Kharj, registered a 99% decrease, while the Eastern Province, including Al Ahsa, Dammam and Dhahran, also recorded a 99% decline.

NCM Chief Executive Officer Dr Ayman Ghulam attributed the sharp reduction to a combination of environmental and climatic factors, including the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom's cloud seeding programme, improved vegetation cover, better grazing management and weaker weather fronts that typically generate dust and sandstorms during this time of year.

The Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms said it continues to monitor dust activity using satellite data, AERONET aerosol monitoring, LiDAR technology, numerical forecasting models and specialised dust sampling equipment. According to the centre, these systems support early warning services, improve forecasting accuracy and help reduce the impact of dust storms on public health, the environment and economic activity.