In brief
On 31 October 2026, the Saudi National Weather Center released a weather forecast calling for thunderstorms with rain and hail in areas such as Jazan, Asir, Mecca, and Medina. Wind speeds up to 35 km/h are expected to stir dust and pollen, while fog may develop in parts of the north and eastern provinces. Moderate sea waves of up to 1.5 meters were projected for the Red Sea, with calmer conditions in the Arabian Gulf.
In its latest bulletin issued on 31 October 2026, the Saudi National Weather Center warned residents of thunderstorm activity accompanied by rain, hail, and strong surface winds throughout several key regions of the Kingdom. The forecast covers Jazan, Asir, Mecca, Medina, Al Baha, Hail, Qassim, the northern frontier around the Asir border, northern portions of the Eastern Province, and the Jouf area, with the possibility of fog in select portions of each zone.
The report lists the storm activity as “high‑impact” for cities such as Mecca and Medina where heavy precipitation and hail are expected, while the Jazan area faces a combination of flash flooding potential and wind‑blown dust due to the forecasted surface gusts. The National Weather Center emphasized that the combination of rain and hail could lead to a sudden drop in temperature, especially over the high‑altitude plateaus of Asir and Al Baha.
Wind data is highlighted prominently: in the Red Sea, surface winds ranging from 12 to 35 km/h are projected for the northern sector, 12 to 32 km/h for the central sector, and 12 to 32 km/h for the southern sector. These winds are expected to pick up loose sand and dust from the coastal plains, making visibility difficult in certain high‑traffic regions. The Arabian Gulf will see winds of 8 to 28 km/h on the northern side and 8 to 25 km/h on the southern side, according to the bulletin, which suggests that shipping will need to adjust routes to avoid sudden gusts.
Fog is mentioned as a secondary risk: the forecast indicates that a thin layer of fog could form over the northern and eastern edges of the country where the humidity is higher, particularly in the Jouf area. The fog is described as “occasional” rather than sustained, but the potential for reduced visibility at lower elevations was noted for road and air traffic management authorities.
The sea conditions previewed by the National Weather Center call for waves ranging from half a meter to 1.5 meters across the northern Red Sea. The bulletin notes that wave heights are expected to be “light to moderate,” which would affect maritime traffic in coastal ports but does not anticipate major disruptions. In the Arabian Gulf, predicted wave heights are limited to up to one meter, with a general assessment of light waves throughout the area.
According to the agency, the combined impact of these weather elements means that commercial and private transport services across the Kingdom are advised to check local advisories before departure, and that residents in irrigation and construction sectors should take precautions against possible hail damage. Local authorities are also encouraged to monitor updates closely, as the National Weather Center may issue revisions if the storm fronts shift.
Overall, the bulletin underscores that Thursday’s weather is a mix of seismic thunderstorm activity, variable winds, and chance fog that collectively paint a complex picture for inhabitants and maritime stakeholders throughout Saudi Arabia. The Saudi National Weather Center’s forecast provides a comprehensive outlook that signals a day of varied conditions, cautioning all sectors to prepare for the predicted thunder, hail, wind, and wave activity.
