Plan around the weather
Weather pattern by month × region
Legend: Green = ideal · Yellow = workable · Orange = risk · Brown = rush-prone · Red = avoid
What to do when one hits
Stay inside
Close all windows; AC units can choke on dust. Use N95 mask if necessary; visibility drops to 1–3 km.
Check flights
Riyadh airport: storms delay 30–60% of flights. Domestic flights often delayed 2–4 hours.
Don't drive
Highways become dangerous; visibility zero in seconds. Multiple accidents during peak storms.
Outdoors: mask + sunglasses
Sand abrasion can hurt eyes. Wraparound sunglasses + N95 essential if you must go out.
How to read
- Shamal (June–August): hot NW wind, slows but doesn't usually stop travel.
- Kamsin (March–May): south wind that can lift dust storms suddenly.
- Winter storms (Dec–Feb): rain in Jeddah; flooding common. Northern regions get the heaviest rain.
Limitations
• Storm prediction is unreliable more than 48 hours ahead.
• Specific dates vary; this tool uses historical probabilities.
FAQ
Are flights cancelled?
Major storms: yes. Light storms: delayed 1–3 hours. Plan buffer time.
Will sandstorms damage my camera?
Yes — fine sand gets into lenses. Use rain cover; change lenses indoors only.
Sources
- Climate averages — Saudi Presidency of Meteorology.
- Storm patterns — academic climate studies.