The Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued its daily weather report for Saturday, August 15, 2026, forecasting very hot to extremely hot conditions in the Eastern Province and parts of the Riyadh and Qassim regions, with thunderstorm activity expected in the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah.
Context and Background
The weather report, released via the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to keeping residents and visitors informed through authoritative channels. The NCM uses state-of-the-art monitoring and forecasting technology to provide timely and accurate updates, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s investment in advanced meteorological infrastructure as part of the broader Vision 2030 quality-of-life initiatives.
Key Details
According to the NCM report, active winds will continue to stir dust and sand over parts of the Tabuk and Najran regions, potentially reducing horizontal visibility to near zero along coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah, extending along the coastal road to Jazan. These conditions may affect travel and outdoor activities, so the NCM advises caution.
On the Red Sea, surface winds are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 15-32 km/h in the northern part, shifting to northwesterly to westerly at 22-46 km/h in the central and southern parts. Speeds may exceed 55 km/h with the formation of rainy thunderclouds over the southern part. Wave heights could range from 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the north, and from 1.5 to 2.5 meters in the central and southern parts, potentially exceeding 2.5 meters with thunderclouds. The sea state is expected to be light to moderate in the north, and moderate to rough in the central and southern parts.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northeasterly to northwesterly, gradually turning southwesterly to westerly during the evening over the northern and southern parts, at speeds of 10-26 km/h, with wave heights from 0.5 to 1 meter and a light sea state.
Implications and Impact
The forecast highlights the diverse climatic conditions across Saudi Arabia, from scorching heat in the east to thunderstorms in the southwest. For residents and travelers, staying updated with the NCM’s official reports is essential for safety and planning. The Kingdom’s advanced weather monitoring capabilities minimize risks associated with severe weather, contributing to public safety and economic stability.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in meteorological services and digital infrastructure supports the Vision 2030 goal of enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and visitors. By leveraging advanced technology and timely communication, the Kingdom ensures that its people are well-prepared for any weather conditions, while also supporting key sectors such as aviation, shipping, and tourism. This proactive approach underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safety, transparency, and sustainable development on its journey toward a diversified future.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the source of this weather report?
A1. The weather report comes from the Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM), released through the official Saudi Press Agency, as is standard practice for official announcements in the Kingdom.
Q2. Which regions in Saudi Arabia will experience very hot conditions today?
A2. According to the NCM, the Eastern Province and parts of the Riyadh and Qassim regions will see very hot to extremely hot weather on August 15, 2026.
Q3. What is the expected weather in the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah?
A3. The forecast predicts thunderstorm activity with possible hail in the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, indicating a chance of localized heavy rain.
Q4. How will winds affect visibility in Tabuk and Najran?
A4. Active winds in parts of Tabuk and Najran will stir dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility to near zero in some areas, the NCM warns.
Q5. Which coastal areas are most likely to see low visibility due to dust?
A5. The coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah are affected, with reduced visibility extending along the coastal road to Jazan, as mentioned in the NCM report.
Q6. What wind speeds are expected over the Red Sea?
A6. In the northern Red Sea, winds will be northwesterly to northerly at 15-32 km/h, while central and southern parts will see northwesterly to westerly winds at 22-46 km/h.
Q7. Could wind speeds become higher than usual in the Red Sea?
A7. Yes, the NCM states that wind speeds may exceed 55 km/h with the formation of rainy thunderclouds, particularly over the southern part of the Red Sea.
Q8. What wave heights are expected on the northern Red Sea?
A8. In the northern part of the Red Sea, wave heights are expected to range from half a meter to one and a half meters, the report indicates.
Q9. What wave heights are predicted for the central and southern Red Sea?
A9. The central and southern parts will see waves from one and a half meters to two and a half meters, possibly higher with thunderclouds, according to the NCM.
Q10. What is the sea state expected to be on the Red Sea?
A10. The NCM forecasts a light to moderate sea state in the north, and moderate to rough sea conditions in the central and southern parts of the Red Sea.
Q11. What wind conditions are expected over the Arabian Gulf?
A11. Over the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northeasterly to northwesterly, turning southwesterly to westerly during the evening over northern and southern parts, at speeds of 10-26 km/h.
Q12. What is the expected wave height and sea state in the Arabian Gulf?
A12. The Arabian Gulf will see waves from half a meter to one meter, with a light sea state, as per the NCM report.
Q13. Why is it important to follow the NCM’s weather reports?
A13. The NCM provides authoritative and timely weather information, helping residents and visitors prepare for conditions that could affect safety, especially for travel and outdoor activities.
Q14. How does the NCM contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A14. By leveraging advanced meteorology, the NCM supports public safety and economic stability, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of improving quality of life and fostering innovation.
Q15. Are weather reports issued by the NCM reliable?
A15. Yes, the NCM uses sophisticated monitoring technology and models to ensure accuracy, and releases its reports officially through Saudi Press Agency, making them trustworthy.
Q16. How can residents stay updated on weather conditions?
A16. Residents can follow the NCM’s official announcements via the Saudi Press Agency and other official channels to receive the latest updates and warnings.
Q17. What should travelers do during dusty conditions?
A17. During dust storms, travelers should reduce speed, use headlights, and stay informed through official forecasts to ensure safety, the NCM advises.
Q18. Are thunderstorm activities common in Saudi Arabia’s southwest?
A18. Yes, the highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha often experience seasonal thunderstorms, especially during late summer, making the NCM’s forecasts crucial.
Q19. Does the NCM issue alerts for coastal areas?
A19. Yes, the NCM provides specific alerts for coastal regions, including wind and wave conditions, to ensure maritime safety and coastal activity planning.
Q20. Where can I find more detailed weather information?
A20. For detailed and official weather updates, visit the NCM’s official website and social media channels, or refer to announcements via the Saudi Press Agency.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.