The National Center for Meteorology announced that the Kingdom recorded a near-zero decline in dust and sand storms during June 2026, the lowest historical rate in over 25 years, a 99% drop compared to historical averages. The Northern Borders region recorded a complete 100% decline, reflecting a noticeable improvement in air quality and a reduction in dust phenomena.

The CEO of the National Center for Meteorology and General Supervisor of the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, said upon reviewing a report issued by the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms for June, that the Central region recorded a 99% decrease, including Riyadh, Qassim, and Al-Kharj, while the Eastern region recorded the same percentage, including Al-Ahsa, Dammam, and Dhahran.

The data recorded during June showed that dust activity reached its lowest levels compared to historical averages, coinciding with a number of environmental and climate efforts in the Kingdom, foremost among them the Saudi Green Initiative, the cloud seeding program, improved vegetation cover, and regulated grazing, along with weak weather fronts that cause dust and sand during the same period, reflecting a clear improvement in weather conditions.

The Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms continues its monitoring, follow-up, and analysis of spatial and temporal indicators of dust phenomena through an advanced monitoring and forecasting system that includes satellite data, aerosol monitoring systems (AERONET), specialized LiDAR systems, advanced numerical models for dust spread prediction, and modern devices for collecting and analyzing dust samples, along with a specialized electronic portal for data and research, noting that these capabilities support the development of monitoring, forecasting, and early warning services at the regional and international levels, and contribute to supporting relevant authorities, enhancing preparedness for weather fluctuations, and reducing the impacts of dust and sand storms on health, the environment, and economic activities.