In brief
On Sunday, November 1 2026, the National Center for Meteorology reported that the Kingdom would see widespread thundershowers and hail across the western and central provinces, accompanied by fog and strong surface winds in Riyadh and Qassim. Coastal areas along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf face winds up to 50 km/h and wave heights reaching two meters. The forecast highlights potential hazards for transport and maritime operations, underscoring the need for caution amid the intense weather conditions.
On Sunday, November 1 2026, the National Center for Meteorology announced that Saudi Arabia would experience intense thunderstorms, hail and significant wind activity across a large portion of the kingdom. According to the agency, the weather system would bring heavy rain, cold gusts, and fog to regions such as Jazan, Asir, Al‑Baha, Mecca, Medina, Hail and the Northern Borders, as well as to parts of Riyadh and Qassim.
The forecast, released by the Saudi Press Agency, details that the storm front will produce surface winds blowing from the north‑western Red Sea at speeds of 12–35 km/h over the northern sector, and from the north‑western to western directions at 12–32 km/h across the central portion. In the southern areas, winds will shift to a southeasterly to south‑westerly orientation, again ranging from 12–32 km/h. In addition to these breezes, the report highlights a surge in wave activity along the Red Sea, with heights between half a meter and one and a half meters and sea conditions described as calm to choppy.
Extending the coverage to the Arabian Gulf, the National Center for Meteorology predicted east‑to‑southeast winds at 10–50 km/h across the northern sector, and northeast‑to‑northerly winds at the same speed range over the southern part of the gulf. Wave heights in the gulf are projected to reach up to two meters, with the overall sea setting described as calm but with undertones of roughness where the winds interact with the surface.
In addition to the broad‑scale wind story, the agency underscored the presence of dust‑laden gusts, especially across Riyadh and Qassim. The report notes that the dust mixing can elevate temperatures and reduce visibility, making driving conditions hazardous. Hail is also expected as a prominent feature of the thundershowers, especially in the western and southwestern heartland. Fog is forecast to form over parts of the affected regions, further complicating conditions for both land and maritime transport.
The combination of thunder, hail, and high‑speed winds is poised to affect a wide swath of the country, from high‑traffic urban centers to remote, rural stretches reliant on agriculture. Nights in the coastal towns that border the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf could witness stinging winds and wave heights that test the limits of existing marine infrastructure.
There are a few open questions that the public and authorities will need to keep an eye on. One is the precise intensity of the hail that may strike, as some reports emphasize the storm’s potential to deliver damaging ice pellets, while others focus more on the rain components. Additionally, the evolving wind pattern—whether it will shift to stronger easterly forces or remain within the documented 35 km/h range in the North Sea—has implications for coastal safety and maritime navigation. While the National Center for Meteorology stresses preparedness, the forecast’s exact metrics are still subject to refinement as the storm system proceeds through the day.
In practice, the forecast signals a clear need for caution. With significant wave heights approaching two meters near the Gulf of Aqaba and other key points, ships and small craft should seek secure anchorage. Drivers should expect slippery roads in foggy patches and wind‑speeds that could lift unsecured loads. Moreover, the combination of hail and rain downpours requires attention from municipal water management and emergency services, ensuring timely response to potential flooding or power disruptions caused by downed vegetation.
While the agency's report offers an in‑depth look at the weather mechanics, it is also a reminder of the Kingdom’s reliance on timely meteorological information. The National Center for Meteorology’s comprehensive data set—including wind speeds, wave heights, and atmospheric disturbances—provides a baseline for decision‑makers, from local traffic police to maritime authorities, as they plan for the day’s notable challenge. The next hours will likely bring the brunt of the fury, underscoring the critical role of accurate forecasting in maintaining public safety amid one of the region’s harsher seasonal weather patterns.
