Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several regions Saturday

The National Center for Meteorology has predicted a series of severe weather conditions across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, August 29, 2026, including thunderstorms, hail, and dust-raising winds. In its daily weather report, the center specifically forecasts thunderstorms with hail over Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah.

Additionally, rain-bearing thunderclouds are expected to form over portions of Hail, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, Eastern Province, and Najran. The center also warns of strong winds capable of stirring up significant dust and sand, potentially leading to near-zero visibility in parts of Tabuk. Surface winds from the Red Sea are forecasted to vary between northwesterly and southwesterly, reaching speeds of 15 to 35 km/h, with occasional gusts exceeding 50 km/h during rain-bearing thunderstorms, leading to wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, with some areas facing waves over two meters in height.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will shift from westerly to northwesterly during the day, to southeasterly at night, reaching speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. Wave heights in these waters are expected to be between half a meter and one meter, with generally light sea conditions.