In brief
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has issued a Saturday forecast that calls for moderate to heavy thunderstorms across much of the kingdom. Light to moderate rain is foreseen in Tabuk, Al‑Jouf, and Riyadh, while fog may also appear. Wind speeds over the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf are anticipated between 10 and 40 km/h.
On Saturday, November 7, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued a forecast warning of a severe weather system moving across Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced the warning after the agency released data predicting thunderstorm activity from Thursday night through the afternoon of the 7th.
Thunderstorm Activity Across the Kingdom
The NCM forecast calls for moderate to heavy thunderstorms that could produce flash floods in a range of regions, including Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, the Northern Borders, Eastern, Jazan, Aseer, and Al‑Baha. Hail is also slated to accompany the storm system, with dust‑stirring winds expected to further agitate the air.
Heavy rainfall is expected in the northern part of the country, with the forecaster predicting light to moderate rain in Tabuk, Al‑Jouf, and Riyadh. Fresh showers could reach these areas at any time during the day, according to the agency’s report.
Fog is part of the same forecast. The NCM points to partly cloudy skies over those same northern and central regions, with a moderate chance of low‑level fog forming in the morning.
The agency also provided a detailed look at wind conditions over the Red Sea. In the northern part of the sea, wind speeds range from 15 to 38 km/h, moving from the northwest toward the west. Central-southern pockets of the sea experience southerly to southeasterly winds between 10 and 35 km/h, while the south part of the Red Sea will see winds from the southeasterly to southerly at 20 to 40 km/h.
Wind conditions over the Arabian Gulf were also noted. The gulf wind chart shows southeasterly to southerly winds in the gulf’s northern part at 15 to 40 km/h and easterly to southeasterly winds at 10 to 32 km/h in the southern gulf.
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions in anticipation of the weather system. The NCM underscored the importance of securing outdoor objects, checking drainage systems, and preventing water accumulation near structures. The SPA highlighted that the heavy rainfall could overwhelm city infrastructure and that emergency services have been notified.
Public communications will continue to be updated, as the NCM indicates that the cloud cover could shift throughout the week. The agency is also monitoring for any rapid changes that could arise, such as sudden increases in rainfall intensity or wind gusts that might lead to local flooding and damaged flares.
As the forecast points to a multi‑trough storm, the agencies advise professionals in border regions, particularly oil and gas pipelines or highway construction sites, to double‑check flood risk assessments. Specifications on the forecast report itemize areas most at risk for flooding, with Makkah and Madinah potentially struggling with drainage and safety roads.
With a mention of the Red Sea’s variable wind patterns, the NCM stressed that maritime operators be cautious, especially with heavy winds that could suddenly shift direction or speed. A warning for the gulf shipping lanes will remain active until the predictive cycle concludes.
The National Center for Meteorology continues to gather real‑time data and will issue follow‑up forecasts as the storm evolves, so residents and businesses are encouraged to check SPA or NCM updates throughout Saturday for new developments.
