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Hussain Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, stated this week that the meteorological summer season is approaching its end. Autumn will begin on September 1, marking the start of a transitional period with fluctuating weather patterns and gradually moderating temperatures, Al-Qahtani added in his post on the center’s official account. According to climate indicators tracked by the center, September has ranked as the fourth-hottest month in the Kingdom by average temperature.
The National Center for Meteorology data places September as the month with the lowest rainfall in Saudi Arabia, with an average of approximately 1.64 millimeters per year. This low precipitation figure aligns with the gradual shift from the intense heat of summer toward milder conditions in the following months. The center’s daily weather report issued alongside the announcement predicted thunderstorms accompanied by active winds in parts of the Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha regions.
Maximum temperatures will remain high in sections of the Eastern Province and Riyadh, the National Center for Meteorology report showed, while active winds that stir dust and sand are anticipated in additional areas such as Najran, the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, Madinah and Makkah. These forecasts highlight the variable conditions that can occur even as the seasonal calendar advances. The National Center for Meteorology uses these updates to inform the public about both immediate weather and longer-term seasonal changes.
International meteorological practice, as followed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, defines seasons on a fixed calendar basis to enable consistent comparison of climate records over decades. The Saudi National Center for Meteorology applies the same meteorological framework, setting summer from June 1 to August 31 and autumn from September 1 to November 30. This method avoids the shifting dates of astronomical seasons, which in 2026 will see autumn begin around September 23 with the equinox.
Al-Qahtani emphasized that the transition does not immediately bring cool weather but rather initiates a period of change that progresses over time. The center’s historical records support this characterization of September as a bridge between the hottest season and more temperate autumn and winter months. Such announcements from the authority assist various sectors in preparing for the anticipated patterns.
The National Center for Meteorology continues to monitor evolving conditions as the date approaches. Its assessments draw on long-term data to provide accurate seasonal outlooks for the Kingdom. Residents can expect the patterns described to unfold as meteorological autumn takes hold.
