[REVISION HISTORY]

Saudi Arabia severe weather and heat wave

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-19 08:02 UTC → 2026-08-22 21:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Late July 2026 saw the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology issue a series of warnings for thunderstorms, hail, strong winds and a sweeping dust storm that cut visibility across the western corridor and southern highlands. The outlook highlighted flash‑flood risk, deteriorating sea‑state in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf and health hazards from dust‑laden air. Early August forecasts added a regional heat wave, with temperatures near 45 °C in the Eastern Province, Riyadh and Mecca, high humidity and continued dust‑raising winds. By 31 July, meteorological reports indicated that extreme heat and humidity would continue to affect the Eastern Province, Riyadh, the Red Sea coast, and the Gulf, with active dust‑laden winds impacting visibility. On 8 August, forecasts predicted thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rain and hail in parts of Jazan and Asir, alongside lighter rain in the Al‑Baha and Mecca highlands. During this period, dust‑raising winds were expected to affect Mecca, Medina, and Ha'il. Maritime conditions remained volatile, with Red Sea waves potentially reaching 2.5 m and Arabian Gulf waves exceeding 2 m due to winds that could surpass 50 km/h during thunderstorms. In mid-August, the National Center of Meteorology maintained warnings for rainy thunderstorms and active winds in Jazan, Asir, and Al Bahah. High maximum temperatures were expected to persist in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. Additionally, active winds capable of stirring up dust and sand were forecast for Najran, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al Qassim, Madinah, and Makkah. Red Sea wave heights were projected to reach over two meters, while Arabian Gulf waves were expected between 0.5 and 1.5 meters. On 19 August, forecasts continued to predict rainy thunderstorms and active winds for Jazan, Asir, and Al Bahah, with high temperatures persisting in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.

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