Rain And Dust Storms Sweep Across Northern Saudi Arabia

On February 2, 2026, residents across northern and western Saudi Arabia woke up to a rare and dramatic shift in the weather. The Saudi Meteorological Center had predicted it, and as the day unfolded, their forecast proved spot on. Rain—ranging from light sprinkles to moderate downpours—swept through regions not always accustomed to such wet weather, touching the northern border, Al-Jouf, Tabuk, Ha'il, Al-Madina Al-Munawarah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and Al-Baha.

For many, the morning began with the steady patter of raindrops on rooftops, a sound that’s often a pleasant surprise in these typically arid zones. According to the official report by the Saudi Meteorological Center, the rainfall was accompanied by gusty winds and swirling dust, adding a dramatic flair to an already unusual weather event. In some areas, the winds picked up enough to whip dust into the air, reducing visibility and prompting drivers to exercise extra caution on the roads.

“We expected rain and strong winds today, and that’s exactly what happened,” the Meteorological Center confirmed in its daily bulletin. The agency had issued warnings ahead of time, noting that the weather system would impact not just the northern and western regions but would also bring active, dust-raising winds to parts of Riyadh and Qassim. These winds, sometimes moderate and sometimes strong, made their presence known, rattling windows and sending loose debris skittering across the streets.

In Al-Jouf, residents reported steady rainfall through the morning hours. “It’s not often we see this much rain,” said one local shopkeeper, sweeping water away from the entrance of his store. “It’s refreshing, but the wind makes it a bit tricky.” The gusts, carrying fine sand and dust, sometimes made it hard to see more than a few meters ahead. As one driver in Tabuk put it, “You have to keep your headlights on and drive slow when the dust picks up. It’s like the rain and sand are having a contest.”

The Meteorological Center’s forecast also highlighted the likelihood of fog forming in parts of the Eastern Province and the southwestern highlands. This added another layer of complexity for travelers and commuters, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. While the fog was patchy, it did prompt authorities to urge caution, particularly on highways and mountain roads.

Out at sea, the weather was no less eventful. The Meteorological Center’s report detailed how surface winds on the Red Sea shifted from southeast to southwest on the northern and central stretches, reaching speeds between 10 and 25 kilometers per hour. On the southern part of the Red Sea, winds picked up even more, blowing from the south and southeast at 20 to 45 kilometers per hour, and sometimes reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Waves in these areas rose from half a meter to more than two and a half meters, making conditions challenging for small boats and fishermen.

“The sea was choppy, especially near Bab al-Mandab,” reported a fisherman from the southern coast. “We had to be careful—waves were higher than usual, and the wind kept changing direction.” The Meteorological Center described the sea state as generally light to moderate in the north and center, but turning rougher toward the south and near the strait.

Meanwhile, on the Arabian Gulf, the winds blew from the northeast and northwest on the northern and central stretches, and from the southwest to northwest on the southern end, at speeds between 10 and 25 kilometers per hour. Wave heights remained moderate, generally between half a meter and a meter, and the sea was considered light—good news for those venturing out on the water along the Gulf coast.

For anyone living in or traveling through the affected regions, the day’s weather was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the Kingdom. While rain is always welcome in a country where water is precious, the combination of precipitation, wind, and dust can complicate daily life. Schools in some areas advised parents to keep children indoors until the worst of the weather had passed, and local authorities were quick to respond to minor flooding in low-lying streets and neighborhoods.

In Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the rain brought a brief respite from the usual dry heat, with many residents taking to social media to share photos and videos of rain-soaked streets and cloudy skies. “It’s a blessing,” wrote one user, posting a video of children splashing in puddles. But not everyone was celebrating; for those caught in the open during a dust-laden squall, the wind and sand could be a real nuisance.

Al-Baha, perched in the southwestern highlands, also experienced rain and brisk winds. The region’s mountainous terrain can make for dramatic weather shifts, and residents there are accustomed to fog rolling in after a storm. “The air smells fresh, and the mountains look beautiful with the clouds,” said a local teacher, who added that the rain is good news for farmers and gardeners alike.

The Saudi Meteorological Center emphasized that such weather patterns are not entirely unusual for this time of year, but the combination of rain, wind, dust, and fog across such a broad area is noteworthy. “We monitor these systems closely,” the Center stated, “and we urge the public to stay informed and heed any warnings.”

Looking ahead, meteorologists say that the unsettled weather may persist for another day or two, with the possibility of more showers and gusty winds in the forecast. As always, residents are encouraged to check official updates and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of poor visibility or heavy rain.

For now, the northern and western regions of Saudi Arabia are enjoying a rare taste of wet weather—a reminder that even in the desert, nature has its surprises. Whether it’s the thrill of a rainstorm, the challenge of driving through dust, or the simple beauty of clouds over the mountains, February 2, 2026, will be remembered as a day when the weather stole the show.