{
  "id": 10163760,
  "title": "NCM forecasts heavy thunderstorms, flash floods as red fog alert hits Eastern Province",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/ncm-forecasts-heavy-thunderstorms-flash-floods-as-red-fog-alert-hits",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T05:55:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664887/saudi-arabia/ncm-forecasts-heavy-thunderstorms-flash-floods-as-red-fog-alert-hits-eastern-province"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a red fog alert for parts of the Eastern Province, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Buqayq and Ras Tanura. The alert is in effect from midnight to 9 a.m., with visibility expected to drop to 1 km or less. Forecasters warn of heavy thunderstorms in Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, which could trigger flash floods and bring hail and strong winds, stirring up dust and sand. Light to moderate thunderstorms are also forecast for Madinah, while active surface winds are expected in Hail, Al-Qassim, and the Northern Borders. Fog may form overnight and early morning over Makkah. Temperatures in Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, and Buraidah are expected to climb to 42°C, with Makkah reaching 41°C. Hail and Arar could hit 39°C, Jazan and Sakaka 37°C, Jeddah and Najran 36°C, Tabuk 35°C, and Abha 30°C. Humidity levels are forecast to be very high, reaching 95% in Dammam, 90% in Jeddah, 80% in Jazan, 75% in Makkah, Abha, and Al-Baha, and 70% in Tabuk. Lower humidity levels are expected in Madinah, Arar, and Sakaka, with 50% in Najran, 25% in Hail, and 20% in Riyadh and Buraidah.",
  "summary": "JEDDAH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasts heavy thunderstorms across parts of Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha on Sunday, as a red alert for thick fog remains in effect across parts of the Eastern Province. The red alert covers Al-Ahsa, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Buqayq and Ras Tanura from 12 a.m. to 9 a.m., with horizontal visibility expected to fall to 1 km or less. Moderate to heavy…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}