In brief
On November 7, 2026, Saudi meteorologists forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms that could trigger flash floods and hail across several provinces. Light to moderate rain is expected in the Tabuk, Al‑Jouf, and Riyadh regions, while fog may reduce visibility in parts of the country. Wind speeds over the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf will range from 15 to 40 km/h, varying by area.
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued a weather bulletin at 06:38 local time on November 7, 2026, predicting a surge of moderate to heavy thunderstorms that could spark flash floods, hail and dust‑stirring winds across multiple Saudi Arabian provinces. The forecast specifically names the Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Northern Borders, Eastern, Jazan, Aseer, and Al‑Baha regions as being at risk for the most intense storm activity.
In addition, the NCM anticipates light to moderate rainfall in the Tabuk, Al‑Jouf, and Riyadh regions, providing a mixed picture of precipitation intensity across the kingdom. Fog is also forecast to form in parts of those same regions, potentially reducing visibility for transportation and aviation sectors.
Wind conditions are projected to vary by region and body of water. Over the Red Sea, northwesterly to westerly winds of 15 to 38 km/h are expected in the northern sector, southerly to southeasterly winds of 10 to 35 km/h in the central sector, and southeasterly to southerly winds of 20 to 40 km/h in the southern sector. Across the Arabian Gulf, winds will shift from southeasterly to southerly at speeds from 15 to 40 km/h in the northern part and from easterly to southeasterly at 10 to 32 km/h in the southern part.
These wind patterns, combined with the forecast thunderstorm activity, raise potential for dust dispersion across the affected areas. The dust can be stirred up by the strong winds, contributing to reduced air quality standards and impacting plant life in the dry regions.
Heavy rain in the Makkah, Madinah and other provinces could trigger flash floods, particularly in low‑lying parts or near wadis where water runoff accumulates quickly. In addition, hail formation during the thunderstorms can damage agricultural goods and fragile infrastructure if the storms develop over populated or rural areas.
Managing these environmental risks requires preparation and timely response from local authorities. Even though the NCM has issued the forecast, the bulletin does not detail emergency protocols or mitigation measures. All stakeholders in the aforementioned regions will likely monitor the detailed watches and warnings posted by the National Center for Meteorology throughout the day to mitigate potential damage and safeguard communities.
Because cloud mass and precipitation pressure can also grow over time, residents are encouraged to remain updated on updates from the NCM as conditions evolve over the remainder of the weekend. The bulletin stresses that the forecast is subject to change—a common occurrence as the storm systems approach or recede from the area.
