The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will officially enter meteorological winter on Monday, December 1. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) says temperatures will fall and the first winter rainfalls — including thunderstorms, hail and fog in several regions — are expected in the coming days.

When winter starts and what to expect

According to NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani, meteorological winter begins Monday, December 1, and temperatures will gradually drop across the Kingdom. Residents should prepare for a shift from the usual dry conditions to more variable winter weather.

Rainfall expected across key regions

The first rainy spell of December is forecast to begin next Sunday, bringing moderate to heavy showers to regions recently affected and at risk — including Madinah, Hail, the Makkah highlands, the southern Makkah coast and other parts of the Kingdom. Stay updated with local NCM advisories for precise timings and intensities.

Thunderstorms, hail and fog alerts

NCM warns of moderate thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds in Jazan, Asir and Al Baha. Fog may form in these regions and in the Eastern Province, which could reduce visibility on major roads and highways.

Wind, dust and Red Sea conditions

Surface winds may pick up dust in Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Tabuk and Al Jouf. Over the Red Sea, winds will blow northwesterly to northerly (10–28 km/h) in the northern/central parts, and southerly to southeasterly (15–40 km/h) in the south. Gusts may reach 50 km/h near rain-bearing thunderstorms around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights: 0.5–1 m (north/central) and 1–2 m (south), exceeding 2 m near thunderstorms.

Overall outlook: mostly pleasant but stay alert

While much of the Kingdom will experience relatively stable, pleasant weather, localized storms, heavy rain and strong winds could occur in affected areas. Residents are advised to monitor official channels for real-time updates and follow safety guidance during storms.

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