In brief
On Sunday, 1 November 2026, the Saudi national meteorological service reported evening thunderstorms with hail in the southern and central areas, combined with cold winds and fog in the north, east, and western regions. Gusty, dust‑laden winds are expected in Riyadh and Qassim, and sea conditions off the Red Sea and Gulf remain moderate with 0.5–2 m waves.
The Saudi National Center for Meteorology released its morning forecast on Sunday, 1 November 2026, detailing that thunderstorm activity will affect vast portions of the Kingdom. It reports that south‑west maritime air will bring shivering, rain‑laden thundershowers and occasional hail to the Jazan, Aseer, Al‑Baha, Mecca, Medina and Hail provinces, while fog is likely to develop in some inland and border areas.
In the central and southern sectors, the agency noted that surface winds from the northwestern Red Sea will push moisture in, producing heavy, thunder‑driven rain and hail. It also highlights that these winds will run at 12–35 km/h in the northern part, 12–32 km/h over the central sections and 12–32 km/h across the southern areas of the sea. Waves will rise from 0.5 m to 1.5 m, with the seas described as calm to choppy.
Moving westward, the forecast says fog may blanket broad swaths of the northern borders, the Eastern provinces and even parts of Riyadh and Qassim. The agency attributes this to cool, moist air from the Gulf of Aden, which combines with regional temperature lows to trap moisture near the surface.
For the coastal fringes, the National Center for Meteorology advises that wind will shift to a more easterly pressure over the Arabian Gulf, ranging from 10–50 km/h in the northern region and 10–50 km/h in the southern region. In and around the Gulf, wave heights could climb beyond 2 m, a marked rise from the usual calmer conditions reported in prior days.
Dust‑laden gusts will be a prominent feature in Riyadh and Qassim, with the agency noting that wind speeds will push against the prevailing dust and sand from the adjacent deserts. While the forecast does not give exact wind speeds for these inland cities, it confirms that the wind will be strong enough to disturb the dust, making visibility at times harder for drivers.
Overall, the forecast from the Saudi Press Agency – which cites the National Center for Meteorology – indicates that the majority of the Kingdom will see a combination of thunder, rain, frost‑ish gusts, fog, and windy dust conditions. Coastal regions will see waves that rise up to 2 m, while beaches and ports will experience wind speeds up to 50 km/h in the Gulf and 35 km/h along the Red Sea. The forecast is thus a reminder that many areas will need to prepare for hazardous driving and marine conditions.
As the day unfolds, the National Center for Meteorology will likely update its assessment in real time. For now, residents and travelers across Saudi Arabia should heed the warnings and attempt to avoid hazardous conditions whenever possible.
