Saudi authorities have issued urgent warnings as the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasts moderate to heavy thunderstorms, sand- and dust-laden winds, potential hail, and flash flooding sweeping across the Kingdom from Friday through Monday
According to Gulf News, the western provinces—including Makkah, Taif, Al Jumum, Kamil, Adham, Al Mawiyah, Khormah, Raniyah and Turbah—are expected to bear the brunt of rainfall, while gusty winds carrying sands may reduce visibility sharply
Meanwhile, the Madinah region, spanning cities like Al Ula, Khaybar, Al Hanakiyah, Wadi al-Fara and Madinah itself, is also bracing for similar conditions with risks of coastal disturbances and strong dust storms
The forecast extends inland to regions such as Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Najran, Eastern Province, Northern Borders, Al Baha and Jazan, where light to moderate rains may be accompanied by dust storms and possible hail, raising concerns over road safety and flooding
The Saudi NCM has urged people to stay tuned to official bulletins and heed advisories, especially in areas prone to flash floods and poor visibility from airborne dust
. Meanwhile, rescue services—including the Red Crescent Authority—are ramping up readiness ahead of the expected weather upheaval
Local accounts reflect increasing concern: residents in recent months have reported “unprecedented torrential rains” swamping streets in Mecca and Medina, described as rare in a nation built around arid climate norms. Saudi rescue teams are on alert across affected zones, with a red-level warning active in the holy cities, while Riyadh and southwestern provinces remain on orange-level caution
Meteorologists explain that these severe sandstorms, part of a regional weather pattern, are commonly driven by shamal winds—strong Northwesterlies reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, capable of lifting fine dust thousands of feet aloft and persisting for three to five days during transitional seasons
Citizens have been advised to limit travel, secure property against high gusts, avoid exposure during peak storm conditions, and ensure drainage systems remain clear in flood-prone zones.
These developments mark one of the most intense episodes of seasonal weather observed in recent memory across the Kingdom, underscoring the importance of preparedness as dust, rain and wind conspire to challenge normal life in affected regions.
