Riyadh: The National Center for Meteorology Saudi Arabia recorded a near-zero occurrence of dust and sand storms during June 2026, marking the lowest historical rate in more than 25 years, with a 99% decrease compared to historical averages and a 100% decline recorded in Northern Borders Region.

According to Saudi Press Agency, NCM CEO and General Supervisor of the Sand and Dust Storm Regional Center, Dr. Ayman Ghulam, stated that the central region, including Riyadh, Qassim, and Al-Kharj, recorded a 99% decrease, as did the Eastern Region, covering Al-Ahsa, Dammam, and Dhahran.

The decline coincided with several environmental efforts in the Kingdom, including the Saudi Green Initiative, the Cloud Seeding Program, improved vegetation cover, and grazing regulations.

Furthermore, the Sand and Dust Storm Regional Center monitors and analyzes dust phenomena through an advanced system comprising satellite data, AERONET, LiDAR, and numerical dispersion models, supporting forecasting and early warning services at regional and international levels.