Saudi Arabia's meteorological department warns of sandstorms coinciding with the passage of pilgrim convoys towards the holy sites.

As the caravans of pilgrims to the Holy House of God cross the regions of the Kingdom heading towards the holy sites, the National Center for Meteorology issued an important warning regarding the exposure of many regions of the Kingdom from Friday until Monday to strong winds with occasional gusts, where the wind speed may reach 60 km per hour, leading to a lack or near lack of horizontal visibility.

The dust storm is expected to start on Friday, beginning in Tabuk, including its coastal areas, then Al-Jawf and the Northern Borders, where the winds are expected to cause a decrease in horizontal visibility and possibly its complete absence, especially on external and desert roads. The center urged citizens and residents to take precautions, especially while traveling and on desert roads.

God willing, surface winds will stir up dust and sand from Friday until Monday in some regions of the Kingdom, including coastal areas. #ImportantToKnow #Welcome #WeKeepYouUpdated pic.twitter.com/D5lNcmbUNs

— Automated Early Warning System at the National Center of Meteorology (@NCMAlert) May 13, 2026

On Saturday, the regions of Hail, Qassim, Madinah, and Makkah will be affected by a significant increase in wind speed and the occurrence of dense dust waves at times, which will lead to a decrease and lack of horizontal visibility. The center called on everyone to follow weather bulletins through official channels and to adhere to safety instructions to avoid risks. The center will continue to issue periodic updates on weather developments.