On September 30, 2025, residents across Saudi Arabia woke up to warnings from the National Center for Meteorology: a severe cold wave, accompanied by strong winds and dust storms, was sweeping across the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Najran, and several other regions. The weather authority’s report, picked up by numerous local outlets including Sabq and Sra7h, painted a vivid picture of the day ahead—one marked by swirling dust, reduced visibility, and a sharp drop in temperatures.
According to the Saudi Weather Authority, the cold wave’s reach was extensive. The Eastern Province, the capital city of Riyadh, and the southern region of Najran were all listed as areas under significant weather stress. The forecast detailed wind speeds ranging from 25 to 45 kilometers per hour on the Eastern and Northern Islands and the Asht region, with gusts that could climb as high as 50 kilometers per hour in certain coastal stretches. These strong winds, meteorologists noted, were not just a blustery inconvenience—they were the primary driver behind the dust storms expected to blanket the region for much of the day.
Residents of the Arabian Gulf coast were also urged to remain vigilant. The weather authority’s report, as relayed by Sra7h, indicated that wind speeds along the Gulf would range from 15 to 40 kilometers per hour. The winds were forecasted to shift from the western coast to the eastern coast over the course of the day, carrying with them fine particles of dust and sand. The result? A significant reduction in visibility, with forecasters predicting that, at the height of the storm, drivers and pedestrians alike would be able to see just 3 to 5 kilometers ahead of them.
The dust storm itself was expected to begin at 9 a.m. and persist until 7 p.m., creating a nearly ten-hour window of challenging conditions. The weather alert, as reported by Sabq, wasn’t limited to vague warnings—it included a detailed list of affected cities and towns. Among those bracing for the worst were Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Buqayq, Dhahran, Khafji, Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. For these communities, the day promised not only discomfort but also potential disruption to daily life, from slowed traffic to delayed flights and increased health risks for those with respiratory conditions.
But the cold wave’s impact wasn’t confined to the land. Out at sea, mariners and fishermen were advised to exercise extreme caution. The surface winds on the Red Sea were forecasted to blow from the northwest to the north at speeds between 25 and 45 kilometers per hour on the northern and central parts, and from northwest to southwest at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour on the southern part. In some areas, particularly near the Gulf of Aqaba, gusts could reach up to 50 kilometers per hour. These winds, combined with the formation of thunderclouds, were expected to whip up waves ranging from one to two meters on the northern and central sections of the Red Sea, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the southern section. In certain spots near the Gulf of Aqaba, waves were expected to exceed two meters, making the sea state rough and potentially hazardous.
On the Arabian Gulf, the surface winds were predicted to be northwesterly to westerly at speeds between 15 and 40 kilometers per hour. The resulting wave heights would range from half a meter to one and a half meters, with sea conditions described as light to moderate by the National Center for Meteorology. For those who rely on the sea for their livelihood or recreation, these conditions presented a real challenge, and authorities advised postponing non-essential trips until the weather improved.
As the day progressed, the forecast held true across much of the affected area. Early morning commuters in cities like Dammam and Khobar reported a noticeable chill in the air, a rarity for late September in Saudi Arabia. By mid-morning, visibility had dropped sharply, with the fine dust making it difficult to see more than a few kilometers down the road. Local authorities deployed road crews and urged drivers to reduce speed and use headlights, while hospitals and clinics prepared for a potential uptick in patients with respiratory complaints.
Despite the harsh conditions, the weather report also offered a glimmer of hope for other parts of the country. While the central and eastern regions grappled with dust and cold winds, the southwestern areas—including Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah—were told to expect a different kind of weather drama. There, the forecast called for the continued possibility of rain-bearing thunderclouds, a welcome relief for farmers and communities accustomed to the dry heat of late summer. These showers, though, came with their own risks, as the weather authority cautioned residents to beware of sudden downpours and localized flooding.
The Saudi Weather Authority’s detailed reports, cited by both Sabq and Sra7h, underscored the importance of preparation and caution. Their guidance was clear: avoid unnecessary travel during the dust storm, keep windows and doors shut, and be mindful of the risks posed by reduced visibility and flying debris. For those living along the coast or planning sea trips, the advice was even more pointed—postpone outings if possible and monitor updates from official channels.
One official from the National Center for Meteorology was quoted by Sabq as saying, “Active winds raising dust and sand will continue to affect parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Najran. Visibility may drop to between 3 and 5 kilometers.” That stark warning was echoed by local authorities, who used social media and text alerts to keep the public informed throughout the day.
For many Saudis, the events of September 30, 2025, served as a reminder of the country’s diverse and sometimes unpredictable climate. While dust storms and cold waves are not uncommon in the region, the combination of strong winds, plunging temperatures, and widespread visibility reduction made this particular event stand out. It also highlighted the crucial role played by the National Center for Meteorology in keeping the public safe and informed, especially as climate patterns in the region continue to evolve.
As evening approached and the winds began to subside, life slowly returned to normal. The dust settled, the cold wave eased, and residents emerged from their homes to assess the day’s impact. While some grumbled about the inconvenience, others took it in stride—after all, in a country where the weather can change in the blink of an eye, adaptability is a way of life.
