In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, local communities across several provinces are preparing for a day of severe weather as forecasted by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The agency warned that moderate to heavy thunderstorms could fall in the Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Northern Borders, Eastern, Jazan, Aseer, and Al‑Baha regions, bringing a mix of hail and dust‑stirring winds that may impact traffic, agriculture, and daily life.
Those living in the Gulf and Red Sea coasts should hear the warning as well. The NCM predicted that winds over the Red Sea will shift from northwesterly to westerly in the northern section, with speeds between 15 and 38 km/h; in the central section winds will run southerly to southeasterly, ranging from 10 to 35 km/h; and the southern section will see southeasterly to southerly wind speeds of 20 to 40 km/h. Across the Arabian Gulf, northerly coastal zones will experience southeasterly or southerly winds at 15 to 40 km/h, while the southern gulf will see easterly or southeasterly winds of 10 to 32 km/h.
Regional Weather Details
In Tabuk, Al‑Jouf, and Riyadh, the NCM forecasted light to moderate rain, a pattern that can still cause localized flooding, especially in low‑lying areas. The agency also noted that fog may form in parts of these regions, potentially reducing visibility for drivers and residents on rural roads. This combination of brief rain showers and sudden fog can create a hazardous environment for anyone travelling or working outdoors.
Although the forecast calls for moderate to heavy thunderstorm activity in the western and eastern heartlands, the intensity and duration of the storms vary. Hail is expected to accompany the storm systems, and dust stirred by the winds could reduce air quality and degrade the condition of machinery on farms and in construction sites.
Public authorities across the country, advised by the NCM, have urged residents to stay indoors during peak moisture periods, particularly in the Makkah and Madinah provinces where dense populations and crowded streets could amplify any impact of flash flooding.
Water drainage systems in the capital Riyadh’s older neighborhoods are under scrutiny, as the light rain forecast could still overwhelm inadequate infrastructure, raising the risk of waterlogging and power outages.
Sea and Gulf Wind Patterns
The Red Sea's western boundary, where several cities and towns rely on desalination plants, will see winds that could interfere with water intake operations if the intensity remains at the higher end of the 20‑40 km/h scale. The swirling winds mentioned in the forecast are expected to stir the sea, increasing wave heights and creating rougher seas for small vessels.
Meanwhile, the Arabian Gulf’s eastern basins, home to key shipping lanes, will experience winds that could hamper navigation if the southeasterly to southerly flow becomes widespread. Maritime operators have been advised to monitor the weather bulletin closely for any sudden shifts in wind direction that could affect vessel safety.
Community response plans are already in motion. Local emergency departments have received additional instructions to prepare for possible evacuations in flood prone areas. Authorities also advised farmers to secure livestock and cover delicate plants against hail damage.
Citizens can check the official Saudi Press Agency updates or the Ministry of Interior’s emergency services line for real‑time advisories, especially when traveling through rural or densely populated zones vulnerable to sudden flooding or high wind events.
The National Center for Meteorology has released its Saturday forecast as part of its daily commit to keeping the public informed. While the weather prediction is clear about the risks, local communities remain prepared to heed the warnings and adapt to the volatile conditions that the data predicts.
