The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather forecast for Tuesday, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The forecast, released via the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlights significant weather activity in the southwestern parts of the Kingdom, including Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah, where fog may also form in certain areas.
Context and Background
The NCM, Saudi Arabia’s authoritative meteorological body, regularly issues detailed forecasts to ensure public safety and preparedness. This forecast comes as the Kingdom experiences its winter season, characterized by fluctuating temperatures and occasional severe weather. The center’s warnings are crucial for residents and travelers, particularly in regions prone to flash floods and reduced visibility.
Key Details
In addition to the heavy rain in the southwest, the NCM forecasts dust-stirring winds and possible rainfall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region, and Jazan. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with frost potentially forming in the northern parts of the Kingdom. These conditions require caution for those commuting or engaging in outdoor activities. The NCM advises the public to stay updated through official channels.
Implications and Impact
The weather patterns will also affect maritime conditions. Over the Red Sea, winds will be northeasterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part, at speeds of 20-50 km/h. Waves may range from 1.5 to over 2 meters, making the sea relatively calm to choppy. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will vary from southeasterly to southwesterly in the north and southeasterly to northeasterly in the south, at speeds of 15-50 km/h, with waves from 0.5 to over 2 meters, leading to calm to choppy conditions. Mariners and coastal operations are advised to exercise caution.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience under Vision 2030 is reflected in the NCM’s advanced monitoring and warning systems. These capabilities support the Kingdom’s broader goals of enhancing quality of life and sustainable development, ensuring that citizens and visitors are well-informed and protected as the nation continues to modernize and grow.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the National Center for Meteorology?
A1. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is Saudi Arabia’s official government agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and issuing warnings to ensure public safety.
Q2. Which regions will experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday?
A2. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds.
Q3. Is fog expected in any areas?
A3. Yes, fog may form in parts of the Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions, potentially reducing visibility.
Q4. What weather is forecast for Riyadh on Tuesday?
A4. Parts of Riyadh region may experience dust-stirring winds and possible rainfall, according to the NCM.
Q5. Will temperatures drop in northern Saudi Arabia?
A5. Yes, temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the Kingdom.
Q6. What is the wind speed over the Red Sea?
A6. Winds over the Red Sea are expected to be 20-50 km/h, varying in direction from northeasterly to southeasterly depending on location.
Q7. How high will waves be in the Red Sea?
A7. Waves in the Red Sea may range from 1.5 meters to more than 2 meters, making conditions relatively calm to choppy.
Q8. What weather is expected in the Eastern Region?
A8. The Eastern Region may experience dust-stirring winds and possible rainfall on Tuesday.
Q9. How does the NCM issue its forecasts?
A9. The NCM issues forecasts through official channels including the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and its own website and apps.
Q10. Why are NCM forecasts important for residents?
A10. These forecasts help residents prepare for severe weather, avoid hazards like flash floods, and ensure personal safety during travel or outdoor activities.
Q11. What is the wind condition in the Arabian Gulf?
A11. Winds in the Arabian Gulf will range from 15-50 km/h, with directions varying from southeasterly to southwesterly in the north and southeasterly to northeasterly in the south.
Q12. Can waves in the Arabian Gulf exceed two meters?
A12. Yes, waves in the Arabian Gulf may range from half a meter to more than two meters, leading to calm to choppy sea conditions.
Q13. What should mariners do based on this forecast?
A13. Mariners should exercise caution due to variable winds and wave heights, especially in areas where the sea is forecast to be choppy.
Q14. Is frost expected in central Saudi Arabia?
A14. Frost is primarily expected in the northern parts of the Kingdom, not in the central regions like Riyadh or Qassim.
Q15. How does this forecast support Vision 2030?
A15. By enabling advanced weather monitoring, the NCM supports Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing public safety, infrastructure resilience, and quality of life for all.
Q16. What kind of storms are predicted in the southwest?
A16. Thunderstorms are predicted, along with hail and strong winds, in the southwestern regions of Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah.
Q17. Will the weather affect visibility in Jazan?
A17. Jazan may experience dust-stirring winds and rain, which could reduce visibility; fog is not specifically forecast there.
Q18. How can the public stay updated on weather changes?
A18. The public can stay updated via NCM’s official announcements through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the center’s digital platforms.
Q19. What is the sea state in the southern Red Sea?
A19. In the southern Red Sea, winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly, with waves potentially over two meters, making the sea choppy.
Q20. Is this weather typical for January in Saudi Arabia?
A20. Yes, January is part of the winter season, and such weather, including rain, wind, and temperature drops, is typical for the Kingdom.
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