Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods expected across several Saudi regions

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms, leading to flash floods and accompanied by hail, for parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

The report added that light to moderate rainfall is expected in Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Hail, Qassim, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province. Active winds stirring dust and sand will continue to affect parts of these regions, as well as areas of Najran.

The center also indicated a chance of fog forming along the coastal areas of the Eastern Province and Makkah.

Sea and wind conditions

The report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 15–40 km/h, shifting to northwesterly to southwesterly at 10–30 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h with thunderclouds. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one meter, possibly exceeding two meters during thunderstorms, with sea conditions varying from slight to rough.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be southerly to southeasterly at 10–38 km/h, shifting to easterly to southeasterly at 10–30 km/h. Waves will range from half a meter to one meter, with generally slight sea conditions.