Dust storms to sweep across regions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued alerts for dust storms and soaring temperatures affecting multiple regions across the Kingdom through the weekend.

According to the NCM's forecast on Tuesday, hot to extremely hot and windy conditions are expected in the Eastern Region. Several other regions—including parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Riyadh, Madinah, Makkah and Najran—will experience dust-laden winds, significantly reducing visibility.

Daytime dust storms are expected in Riyadh. Nearby governorates such as Diriyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Hariq, Al-Dalam, Al-Muzahmiyya, and Hawtah Bani Tamim are also likely to be affected. Specific alerts were also issued for Al-Sulayyil and Wadi Al-Dawasir in the afternoon and for Al-Aflaj throughout the day.

In Riyadh, temperatures remain extreme, with highs reaching 42°C and lows around 30°C. The intense heat is expected to persist into the weekend.

Maritime conditions are also being closely monitored. Winds over the Red Sea will range from 10 to 28 kph in the north and central regions, increasing up to 50 kph in the southern part. In the Arabian Gulf, northwesterly winds are expected to reach up to 45 kph in the north, while calmer conditions are forecast in the south.

The NCM has urged residents and travellers to take precautions, especially those with respiratory conditions or outdoor exposure, as dust storms and high heat continue to pose health and visibility risks.