Saudi Arabia Issues Red Alert as Makkah and Madinah Hit by Thunderstorms and Strong Winds

A red alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods has been issued for several regions in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (26/8/2026), according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

As reported by Saudi Gazette on Wednesday, the NCM alert includes a red warning for heavy rain in parts of Makkah and Asir, including Maysan in Makkah, as well as Al-Majaridah, Rijal Almaa, and surrounding areas in Asir.

An orange alert has also been issued for moderate-intensity rain in parts of Jazan, including Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarih, and surrounding areas, while an orange warning for fog has been issued for Abha and surrounding areas in Asir.

A yellow warning for light rain has been issued for Al-Darb and surrounding areas in Jazan, Al-Birk and surrounding areas in Asir, as well as the Holy Capital region of Makkah.

In its daily forecast, the NCM stated that moderate to heavy thunderstorms—potentially triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and strong winds—are expected to occur in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah.

Regarding temperatures, Dammam is expected to record the highest temperature of 46 degrees Celsius, followed by Riyadh, Madinah, and Buraidah at 45 degrees Celsius.