Thunderstorms & Dust Winds to Hit Western Saudi Arabia This Week

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast thunderstorms, hail and dust-stirring winds across parts of western Saudi Arabia through the end of the week, with reduced visibility expected in several regions.

The weather system is set to affect parts of Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Najran and Makkah. The NCM warned that horizontal visibility could fall to near zero along the coastal road leading to Jazan and in eastern parts of Najran due to blowing dust.

Moderate to heavy thunderstorms are also forecast across Asir, Jazan, Al Baha and the highlands of Makkah, accompanied by strong winds and hail in some areas.

Among the major cities, Makkah and Dammam are expected to record daytime highs of 45°C, while Riyadh is forecast to reach 43°C with active winds. Abha is expected to see a cooler 29°C, with thunderstorms and gusty conditions, while Jazan is forecast to experience thunderstorms, strong winds and raised dust.

The NCM also issued a marine forecast for the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Over the Red Sea, north-westerly to westerly winds are expected across the northern and central waters, with stronger westerly to south-westerly winds in the south. Wave heights are forecast to range from 0.5 metres to more than 2 metres, with sea conditions varying from calm to choppy.

In the Arabian Gulf, north-westerly to westerly winds are expected over northern waters, while central and southern areas will see north-easterly to easterly winds shifting northerly later in the day. Waves are forecast to range between 0.5 and 1.5 metres, with generally calm sea conditions.