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According to the National Center for Meteorology, high dust-stirring surface winds are expected to affect much of Saudi Arabia’s western coast and southern regions on July 25, 2026. The center identified Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah as provinces where rain and hail may accompany the windy conditions. Temperatures are set to increase in the Eastern Province, creating a mixed weather pattern across the kingdom. This bulletin reflects the center’s ongoing monitoring of atmospheric developments that influence public safety and transportation.
The National Center for Meteorology detailed that northwesterly to northerly winds will dominate most of the Red Sea with speeds ranging from 12 to 50 kilometers per hour. Southwesterly to southeasterly winds at similar velocities are anticipated over the southern Red Sea sector. Northwesterly to westerly winds between 15 and 35 kilometers per hour will prevail over the northern Arabian Gulf while southeasterly to southwesterly winds of 10 to 25 kilometers per hour are expected in central and southern gulf areas. The center’s assessment ties these wind patterns directly to the forecast for dust and precipitation.
Wave heights in the Red Sea will range from 0.5 to 2 meters, producing conditions from calm to choppy, the National Center for Meteorology reported. In the Arabian Gulf, waves are projected at 0.5 to 1.5 meters, remaining relatively calm in most areas. These marine details form part of the center’s comprehensive daily forecast that supports maritime operations alongside land-based warnings. Such information helps authorities manage risks associated with reduced visibility from dust.
Earlier in July 2026, the National Center for Meteorology had issued similar dust-raising wind warnings for the Eastern Province, Northern Borders Region, Qassim, Riyadh and Madinah from the 6th through the 11th. Those alerts highlighted expected drops in horizontal visibility during daytime hours across the listed areas. The recurrence of these forecasts this month illustrates the frequency of dust events in Saudi Arabia’s arid environment. NCM data often guides adjustments to flight schedules and road safety protocols during such periods.
The National Center for Meteorology operates the Sand and Dust Storm Regional Center focused on improving forecast accuracy for dust and sandstorms, according to details on the center’s initiatives. A December 2024 World Meteorological Organization announcement described an international partnership designed to strengthen early warning systems for sand and dust storms across affected countries including Saudi Arabia. Numerical modeling studies have demonstrated strong performance in predicting dust over the kingdom during forecast periods, research published in 2026 indicated. These efforts contribute to better preparation for recurring weather phenomena in the region.
