Extreme heat and thunderstorms expected across several regions today

The National Center for Meteorology reported on Saturday, August 15, 2026, that hot to extremely hot weather will persist in the Eastern Province and parts of Riyadh and Qassim.

The report stated that thunderstorms accompanied by hail are expected over parts of the highlands in Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah.

It also noted that strong winds stirring dust and sand will continue to affect parts of Tabuk and Najran, potentially causing total or near-total loss of horizontal visibility, especially along the coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah, extending down the coastal road to Jazan.

Sea and wind conditions

The report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at 15–32 km/h in the northern part, and northwesterly to westerly at 22–46 km/h in the central and southern parts, possibly exceeding 55 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds in the south.

Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north, and from one and a half to two and a half meters in the central and southern parts, exceeding two and a half meters during thunderstorms.

Sea conditions will be slight to moderate in the north, and moderate to rough in the central and southern parts.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northeasterly to northwesterly, gradually shifting in the evening in the northern and southern parts to southwesterly to westerly at 10–26 km/h, with wave heights from half a meter to one meter and slight sea conditions.