In brief
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology released a 2026 forecast predicting thunderstorms with rain, cold gusts, and fog in key regions such as Jazan, Asir, and the Northern Border. Coastal and inland waters are expected to experience strong winds and wave heights up to two meters. A local forecast from Wadi Al Dawasser predicts a sunny day with temperatures peaking at 35 °C. Public safety advisories urge residents to secure outdoor activities and monitor updates.
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology announced on November 1, 2026 that the kingdom will face a complex weather pattern marked by thunderstorms with rain, cold gusts, and fog in southern and north‑western provinces, including Jazan, Asir, Al‑Baha, Mecca, Medina, Hail, and the Northern Border. Coastal areas are forewarned of wind speeds from the east and southeast capable of producing wave heights up to two meters, while inland zones expect surface winds from the north‑western Red Sea sweeping dust, sand and ash across these regions.
According to the agency’s page, surface winds in the northern part of the Red Sea coast will range from 12 to 35 km h-1; in the central coast from 12 to 32 km h-1; and in the southern coast from 12 to 32 km h-1. The forecast further details that wave heights between the half‑meter and 1.5‑meter mark will be experienced, with especially larger waves up to two meters on the Gulf coast. In addition, groundwork on the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden will witness surface winds travelling eastward and southeastward, generating stormy sea states.
In the heartland, cities such as Riyadh and Al‑Qassim are also warned that dust and sand devils may scour parts of the land, particularly during the daylight hours when heavy rainfall mixes with cold frescos from the north and coastal currents. The note specifically calls upon residents and businesses to reinforce outdoor operations and steering tracking of atmospheric developments across the hardest hit zones.
Preparedness and Response Recommendations
Local authorities are urged to activate emergency response units, particularly in regions facing heavy precipitation and rapid gusts. Public transport hubs and multi‑storey structures are recommended to inspect drainage systems to prevent localized flooding. In extreme cases, temporary storm shelters should be made available in residential districts that are likely to suffer high winds and incoherent visibility due to fog.
Utility operators are pressured to keep power lines and telecommunication towers inspected and reinforced against lightning strikes, a given due to the forecasted thunderstorms. Those referencing coastal traffic are urged to suspend maritime activities that exceed 15 km h-1 winds to avoid that half‑meter wave height increase. This precaution has been offered as a decisive protection measure for lower‑lying communities.
The meteorological body also issued a reminder that the combination of tropical dust, high atmospheric moisture, and cold currents can produce local micro‑climate events, leading to sudden rain‑bursts. All schools, hospitals, and senior‑care facilities are advised to keep an emergency kit in case of unexpected short‑term weather incisions that threaten power and water lines.
Additionally, the findings of the agency align with a partial forecast by the Wadi Al Dawasser real‑time weather service. Their data suggests a sunny day with maximum daytime temperature of 35 °C and a minimum nighttime temperature of 19 °C, offering an alternate view of the climatic conditions. This contrasts with the predicted rain‑streaks, indicating that some local pockets might diverge from the national picture at the adjoining air masses.
While the Saudi Press Agency forecast predicts potential hazards, the local sun forecast from Wadi Al Dawasser will still likely persist in micro‑climates that have experienced a strong dry source. Residents can cross‑reference both to get a balanced perception of what the early day will bring, whether it be a sudden cloud covering or continuing sun far from the impact zones listed by the agency.
Public weather alerts will continue to be updated in real time as conditions evolve. Residents and drivers are urged to keep weather radios, and local television services, open and alert to emergency updates from the National Center for Meteorology, and from temperature‑aware networks that monitor for flashes of thunderstorms in the evening hours.
Ultimately, the coherence between the two data sets signals that in a form of natural robustness, Saudi Arabia may experience a mixture of wet, windy, and partially sunny weather the same day. Residents and officials remain encouraged to stay fully prepared and to respect cautionary advisories issued by the National Center for Meteorology and local hazard response teams.
