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The National Center for Meteorology has forecast a heat wave affecting the Eastern Province and the eastern and southern parts of the Riyadh region from Sunday through Wednesday. The center reported on August 15 that maximum temperatures in these areas will range from 47 to 50 degrees Celsius. Residents in the affected regions have been given advance notice to prepare for the expected conditions.
The National Center for Meteorology warned of possible thunderstorms with hail in the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah during the same period. Active winds are expected to stir dust and sand in Tabuk and Najran according to the center. These winds may reduce visibility to near zero in coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah along the road extending to Jazan.
The National Center for Meteorology urged the public to stay updated via its website and social media accounts for the latest information on the developing weather. The forecast was included in the center’s regular early warning bulletin released on Saturday. NCM predictions for the summer of 2026 had earlier identified four regions likely to see intense heat between 46 and 50 degrees Celsius.
Figures from the National Center for Meteorology show that the Eastern Province, including Al-Ahsa, has recorded some of the highest temperatures in the country during previous heat waves. A July 30 forecast from the center projected similar conditions for the first week of August with highs up to 49 degrees Celsius. The latest alert continues this pattern of elevated summer temperatures across eastern Saudi Arabia.
A study published in 2024 in the journal Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics examined the characteristics of heat waves in Saudi Arabia. The paper by FS Syed and co-authors found that mild heat waves occur all over the kingdom while extreme heat waves are dominant in the northwestern region. This latest event in the east provides additional data points for ongoing meteorological analysis.
The National Center for Meteorology operates a comprehensive early warning system that includes alerts for heat waves and associated phenomena such as high winds and dust storms. Its bulletins are designed to inform the public about expected conditions in different parts of the country. The center regularly updates its forecasts based on the latest observational data from across Saudi Arabia.
