Thunderstorms, extreme heat grip parts of Saudi Arabia as dust and strong winds persist

According to the Saudi Gazette, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a forecast indicating that extreme heat and localized thunderstorms will impact various regions of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The southwestern highlands, specifically areas including Abha and Al-Baha, are expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the day.

Simultaneously, much of the Kingdom remains under the influence of a persistent heatwave. High temperatures are forecast to reach 45°C in Riyadh and Dammam, while Madinah and Buraidah are expected to see highs of 46°C. Makkah is projected to reach 44°C, with Jeddah experiencing slightly lower but still significant heat at 40°C. Other regions, including Tabuk and Najran, are anticipated to reach 41°C.

Beyond the heat, the NCM has warned of dust-raising conditions across several major cities, including Jeddah, Jazan, Riyadh, Buraidah, Arar, and Sakaka. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions due to reduced visibility and the ongoing extreme temperatures. The weather patterns reflect the typical summer climate in the region, where high-pressure systems continue to drive elevated temperatures across the Eastern Province and the central regions of the Kingdom.