JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast thunderstorms, hail, gusty conditions, and dust-stirring winds across several western regions of the Kingdom in the coming days.

According to the NCM, dust-stirring winds are expected to affect parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Najran, and Makkah, with visibility expected to drop significantly in some areas, including sections of the coastal road leading to Jazan and eastern parts of the Najran Region.

The weather authority also expects moderate to heavy thunderstorms in parts of Asir, Jazan, Al-Baha, and the highlands of Makkah through the end of the week.

Among major cities, Makkah and Dammam are forecast to record the highest daytime temperatures at 45°C, while Riyadh is expected to reach 43°C with active winds.

Abha is forecast to remain the coolest major city listed, with a high of 29°C, accompanied by thunderstorms and active winds. Jazan is also expected to experience thunderstorms, strong winds, and raised dust.

Over the Red Sea, northwesterly to westerly winds are forecast across the northern and central areas at speeds ranging from 12 to 35 km/h, while the southern part is expected to experience westerly to southwesterly winds reaching 15 to 50 km/h.

Wave heights over the Red Sea are expected to range from 0.5 metres to more than 2 metres, with sea conditions varying from calm to choppy.

In the Arabian Gulf, northwesterly to westerly winds are expected across the northern section at 15–35 km/h, while the central and southern areas are forecast to experience northeasterly to easterly winds, shifting to northerly during the evening, at speeds of 10–25 km/h.

Wave heights in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to range between 0.5 and 1.5 metres, with relatively calm sea conditions.