Heavy rain and flash floods expected across several Saudi regions Monday

The National Center for Meteorology, in its report issued Monday, August 31, 2026 (18 Rabi Al-Awwal 1448 AH), forecast continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds stirring dust and sand, affecting parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions.

The report added that light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Najran, while high temperatures will persist in parts of the Eastern Province. Early morning fog may also form along coastal areas of the Eastern Province.

Wind and sea conditions

The center noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts, and southwesterly to westerly shifting to northwesterly by evening on the southern part, with speeds ranging from 16 to 36 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds in the south.

Wave heights in the Red Sea will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, exceeding two meters with thunderstorm activity in the southern part. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, becoming rough in the south.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly at 15–35 km/h on the northern and central parts, reaching up to 45 km/h in the north, and northwesterly to southwesterly at 10–25 km/h in the south. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north and center, reaching two meters in the north, and from half a meter to one meter in the south. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate in the north and center, and slight in the south.