Saudi Arabia Weather: Rain and Gusty Winds Forecast for Monday

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather forecast for Monday, February 17, 2025, indicating gusty winds and possible rain across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The forecast covers parts of Najran, Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, with fog likely in those areas as well as Qassim, Hail, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Tabuk. The NCM advises residents and travelers to exercise caution, particularly on roadways where reduced visibility may occur.

Context and Background

The NCM, as Saudi Arabia’s official meteorological authority, issues daily forecasts to support public safety and economic planning. This Monday’s outlook reflects the Kingdom’s diverse climate zones, from mountainous southwestern regions to coastal plains and desert interiors. Such forecasts are integral to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and climate resilience under Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainable development and infrastructure modernization.

Key Details

Winds over the Red Sea will be northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, reaching 12-38 km/h, and southwesterly to northwesterly in the southern part at 10-50 km/h. Wave heights may range from half a meter to over two meters, making sea conditions calm to choppy. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly, shifting to northwesterly, at 12-35 km/h in the north and center, and northeasterly to northwesterly at 15-50 km/h in the south. Waves could reach one to over two meters, with relatively calm to choppy seas. Mariners and coastal operators are advised to monitor updates.

Implications

The forecast has implications for transportation, agriculture, and outdoor activities across affected regions. Fog and rain may disrupt travel, particularly in mountainous areas like Aseer and Al-Baha, while gusty winds could impact ports and shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The NCM’s timely warnings help mitigate risks, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of ensuring infrastructure resilience and public safety as part of its broader Vision 2030 initiatives.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This weather reporting aligns with Vision 2030 by reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to advanced meteorological services and risk management. The NCM’s use of modern forecasting technology and public dissemination of data supports sustainable development, tourism, and economic diversification—key pillars of the vision. By enabling informed decision-making, such forecasts contribute to building a safer, more resilient Saudi Arabia.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the main weather forecast for Monday?

A1. The National Center for Meteorology forecasts gusty winds and possible rain in parts of Najran, Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, with fog in several areas.

Q2. Which regions may experience fog on Monday?

A2. Fog is likely in Najran, Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, the Eastern Region, as well as Qassim, Hail, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Tabuk.

Q3. What wind conditions are expected over the Red Sea?

A3. Winds over the Red Sea will be northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, at 12-38 km/h, and southwesterly to northwesterly in the southern part, at 10-50 km/h.

Q4. What wave heights are forecast for the Red Sea?

A4. Wave heights in the Red Sea may range from half a meter to over two meters, resulting in calm to choppy sea conditions.

Q5. How will winds behave in the Arabian Gulf?

A5. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly, shifting to northwesterly, at 12-35 km/h in the north and center, and northeasterly to northwesterly at 15-50 km/h in the south.

Q6. What are the expected wave heights in the Arabian Gulf?

A6. Waves in the Arabian Gulf may reach from one to over two meters, making the sea relatively calm to choppy.

Q7. Who issued this weather forecast?

A7. The forecast was issued by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), the official meteorological authority of Saudi Arabia.

Q8. When was the forecast released?

A8. The forecast was released on February 17, 2025, based on an official report from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Q9. What is the purpose of NCM’s daily forecasts?

A9. The NCM issues daily forecasts to support public safety, economic planning, and disaster preparedness across Saudi Arabia.

Q10. How does this forecast relate to Vision 2030?

A10. Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainable development and climate resilience; accurate weather reporting helps protect infrastructure and supports tourism and economic diversification.

Q11. What areas are most affected by rain on Monday?

A11. Rain is possible in parts of Najran, Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, with varying intensity.

Q12. What advice does the NCM give to residents?

A12. The NCM advises caution, particularly on roadways where fog and rain may reduce visibility, and urges monitoring of official updates.

Q13. Are there any warnings for mariners?

A13. Yes, mariners and coastal operators are advised to monitor conditions due to choppy seas and gusty winds in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Q14. What wind speeds are expected in the southern Red Sea?

A14. In the southern Red Sea, winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly at speeds of 10-50 km/h.

Q15. How do wind patterns shift in the Arabian Gulf?

A15. Winds in the Arabian Gulf shift from southeasterly to southwesterly to northwesterly, with speeds varying by region.

Q16. What is the maximum wind speed forecast for the Arabian Gulf?

A16. The maximum wind speed forecast for the Arabian Gulf is 50 km/h in the southern part.

Q17. Which regions are not mentioned in the forecast?

A17. Regions not specifically mentioned include Madinah, Tabuk (except fog), and some central areas, though conditions may vary locally.

Q18. How does the NCM ensure forecast accuracy?

A18. The NCM uses advanced meteorological technology and data from multiple stations to provide timely and accurate forecasts.

Q19. What is the significance of including fog in the forecast?

A19. Fog can significantly reduce visibility, impacting road safety and aviation; forecasting it helps prevent accidents and disruptions.

Q20. Where can the public find updated weather information?

A20. The public can follow updates from the National Center for Meteorology via its official website and social media channels.

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