Storms and 49°C Heat Forecast Across Parts of Saudi Arabia

Residents across Saudi Arabia should brace for a mix of severe weather this week, as thunderstorms and heavy rain sweep parts of the south while inland and eastern cities face searing heat approaching 50°C through mid-August 2026.

Thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, flash-flood risk and dust-raising winds are forecast over Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Najran and the southern highlands of Makkah Region. At the same time, maximum temperatures elsewhere in the Kingdom are expected to peak between 48°C and 50°C in some eastern and central areas, with Dammam repeatedly forecast near 49°C, and Riyadh, Qassim and parts of the Eastern Province in the 47–50°C range.

What about Jeddah?

Jeddah is under forecasts of strong winds, dust, and light rain or thunderstorms at times, but the city's maximum temperatures are generally expected in the 39–42°C range rather than 49°C. As of August 18–19, 2026, city forecasts placed Jeddah's highs around 40–42°C, several degrees below inland cities such as Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Dammam and Buraidah, which reach 47–49°C.

Official warnings use color-coded alerts — yellow and orange — for strong winds, thunderstorms, rain, reduced visibility and extreme heat. Recent alerts for Makkah Region included orange alerts for strong winds in Jeddah and Rabigh, and yellow alerts for light rain in nearby governorates.

The takeaway for the community: the widely shared figure of "49°C in Jeddah" is not accurate for current conditions. That peak applies to inland and eastern cities, while Jeddah's highs remain in the low-40s. Residents in the affected southern regions are advised to avoid low-lying areas and valleys during heavy rain, while those in central and eastern cities should limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat and stay hydrated.

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