Thunderstorms forecast across parts of Kingdom as heat peaks at 49°C

According to the Saudi Gazette, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather forecast for Thursday, warning of a combination of thunderstorms and extreme heat across various regions of the Kingdom. While parts of the country are expected to experience rainfall, the broader trend remains one of intense heat, with temperatures in several major cities projected to reach or exceed 46°C.

The NCM reports that the Eastern Province, specifically Dammam, is expected to face the highest temperatures, peaking at 49°C. Other major urban centers, including Riyadh and Makkah, are forecast to reach highs of 46°C, while Madinah is expected to see temperatures climb to 47°C. In contrast, coastal areas like Jeddah are forecast to reach 39°C, with the city also expected to experience active winds and blowing dust.

Beyond the extreme heat, the NCM's forecast indicates that Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Buraidah, Hail, and Najran will see partly cloudy conditions. Residents are advised to monitor official NCM updates throughout the day, as weather patterns in the region can shift rapidly. These temperature fluctuations are consistent with seasonal patterns in the Kingdom, where high heat remains a significant factor for public health and infrastructure management during the summer months.