The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a detailed weather forecast for Saturday, January 25, 2025, predicting moderate to heavy thundershowers accompanied by strong winds and hail across several regions of the Kingdom. The advisory, released via the Saudi Press Agency, outlines conditions affecting Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions, with residents urged to remain cautious as the weather systems move through the area.
Context and Background
The NCM, Saudi Arabia’s official authority for meteorological monitoring and early warning, regularly provides updates to ensure public safety and support national preparedness. This forecast aligns with the Kingdom’s broader commitment to leveraging scientific data for citizen and visitor well-being, a priority under Vision 2030’s quality-of-life initiatives. The agency’s timely warnings help mitigate risks associated with seasonal weather patterns common in the Arabian Peninsula.
Key Details
Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Madinah, Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern regions, where fog may also form. Additionally, fog conditions could extend to parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Tabuk regions, potentially reducing visibility. Winds over the Red Sea will vary significantly: northeasterly to northerly winds of 20-42 km/h are expected in the northern and central areas, while southerly to southwesterly winds of 10-30 km/h will affect the southern areas. Waves in these waters may range from one meter to over two and a half meters, with relatively calm to choppy conditions. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northerly to northwesterly at speeds of 10-25 km/h, with waves from half a meter to one meter and relatively calm seas.
Implications and Impact
The forecast underscores the NCM’s role in supporting travelers, maritime operations, and emergency services. For international visitors exploring Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, particularly in the mountainous southwestern regions, the weather advisory provides critical guidance for trip planning. The detailed wind and wave data for the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf also assists shipping, fishing, and tourism sectors, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s investment in infrastructure and safety standards.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This proactive dissemination of meteorological information highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing modernization and commitment to public safety, key pillars of Vision 2030. By enhancing early warning systems and promoting data-driven decision-making, the Kingdom is building a resilient society better equipped to adapt to environmental conditions, supporting its ambitions for sustainable tourism, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all residents and visitors.
20 Questions
Q1. Which official body issued the weather forecast for Saturday?
A1. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued the forecast, which was reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on January 25, 2025.
Q2. What type of weather is expected in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions?
A2. Moderate to heavy thundershowers accompanied by strong winds and hail are forecast for these regions.
Q3. Which regions may experience light to moderate rain?
A3. Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Madinah, Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern regions.
Q4. Could fog form in any areas?
A4. Yes, fog may form in Madinah, Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern regions, and may extend to the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Tabuk regions.
Q5. What wind conditions are forecast for the northern Red Sea?
A5. Northeasterly to northerly winds of 20-42 km/h are expected in the northern and central parts of the Red Sea.
Q6. What wind conditions are expected in the southern Red Sea?
A6. Southerly to southwesterly winds of 10-30 km/h are forecast for the southern areas of the Red Sea.
Q7. How high could waves be in the Red Sea?
A7. Waves in the Red Sea may range from one meter to more than two and a half meters.
Q8. What sea state is expected for the Red Sea?
A8. The sea is expected to be relatively calm to choppy, depending on the area and wind strength.
Q9. What wind speeds are predicted for the Arabian Gulf?
A9. Winds in the Arabian Gulf will be northerly to northwesterly at speeds of 10-25 km/h.
Q10. How high could waves be in the Arabian Gulf?
A10. Waves in the Arabian Gulf may range from half a meter to one meter.
Q11. What sea state is forecast for the Arabian Gulf?
A11. The sea in the Arabian Gulf is expected to be relatively calm.
Q12. Why is NCM’s forecast important for public safety?
A12. It provides timely warnings for hazardous conditions like heavy rain, hail, and fog, helping residents and authorities take precautions.
Q13. How does this forecast support Saudi Arabia’s tourism goals?
A13. It offers essential weather information for visitors traveling to diverse regions, such as the mountainous southwest, supporting safe and enjoyable travel.
Q14. What sector benefits from detailed marine wind and wave data?
A14. Maritime sectors including shipping, fishing, and coastal tourism benefit from the wind and wave data for safe operations.
Q15. Is this weather forecast part of a broader national system?
A15. Yes, it is part of the NCM’s ongoing monitoring and early warning system, which supports Vision 2030’s goals for resilience and quality of life.
Q16. What specifically is forecast for the Northern Borders region?
A16. Fog may form in parts of the Northern Borders region, potentially reducing visibility.
Q17. What specific weather is warned for the Al-Baha region?
A17. Al-Baha region is warned of moderate to heavy thundershowers, strong winds, and hail.
Q18. Are there any forecasts for the Riyadh region besides rain?
A18. Yes, aside from light to moderate rain, fog may also form in parts of the Riyadh region.
Q19. How does the NCM’s work align with Vision 2030?
A19. It improves public safety, supports sustainable tourism, and uses scientific data for good, all key parts of the Kingdom’s modernization.
Q20. Where can the public find official updates on the forecast?
A20. Official updates are available through the National Center for Meteorology and the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as the primary sources.
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