Kuwait’s acting director of the meteorological department warned on June 19 2026 of possible rainfall with thunderstorms that night extending into early the next day as a low-pressure system intensified across the region. Dhirar Al-Ali told the Kuwait News Agency that the system would bring increased cloud cover with cumulonimbus formations while winds shift from southerly to northwesterly at 15 to 55 kilometers per hour. The shift could raise dust reducing visibility in open areas and push sea waves above six feet prompting alerts to motorists and seafarers according to the department.
The Meteorological Department’s assessment listed southerly to southeasterly winds shifting to northwesterly with speeds ranging from light to moderate at 15-55 km/h as the primary driver of the expected conditions. Gusts may stir dust cutting visibility particularly in open areas while sea waves could exceed 6 feet. Temperatures are expected to reach maximums of 20-23 degrees Celsius with minimums of 8-11 degrees in the coming days Al-Ali’s statement to KUNA indicated.
A 2019 study by researcher A. Al-Hemoud published in the journal Sustainability estimated the economic impact of sand and dust storms on Kuwait’s oil and gas industry including costs from delayed shipping and infrastructure damage. The assessment found that in 2016 alone bad weather including dust storms led to 830 hours of lost berthing time at ports operated by the Kuwait Oil Company. Such events can limit the transport of oil tankers and extend loading times the study reported.
The Middle East Institute reported in March 2022 that sand and dust storms hit Kuwait more than three months a year owing to its vegetation-poor landscape. Winds in the country can reach 93-109 km per hour during severe storms reducing visibility to almost zero and affecting multiple sectors. Comparable conditions have been observed in neighboring Gulf states though with varying frequencies the institute’s publication noted.
Research published in 2025 on dust transport effects highlighted how dust storms over regional waters increase maritime navigation risks by reducing visibility and raising collision probabilities. Port operations often face delays in cargo handling during such events leading to economic losses. The Kuwait Meteorological Center provides marine and high seas forecasts to help mitigate these impacts according to its official website.
Motorists face heightened dangers from reduced visibility on roads during dust events while seafarers must navigate rough conditions with waves exceeding six feet. The department urged vigilance in response to the forecast that combines rain potential with dust and high seas. Al-Ali emphasized the need for caution in a statement carried by local media on the day of the warning.
