NCM Forecast: Dust, Thunderstorms, Extreme Heat Monday

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a detailed weather forecast for Monday, warning of strong winds carrying dust and sand in the Eastern Region and along the Makkah–Jazan road, which may reduce visibility to near zero. The forecast, released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), also indicates thunderstorms with strong winds in parts of Jazan, Asser, and Al-Baha, extending to the mountainous areas of the Makkah region. The Eastern Region will experience hot to extremely hot conditions, while maritime conditions vary across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Context and Background

The NCM is the official authority responsible for monitoring and forecasting weather across the Kingdom. Its daily bulletins are essential for public safety, especially for travelers and maritime operators. This particular forecast comes during the summer months when Saudi Arabia often experiences extreme heat and occasional dust storms, particularly in the Eastern Region and along the southern coastal roads. The Makkah–Jazan road is a vital artery for pilgrims and traders, making timely weather warnings crucial for safe travel.

Key Details

According to the NCM, strong winds will kick up dust and sand in the Eastern Region and on the Makkah–Jazan road, leading to near-zero visibility in some areas. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are expected in Jazan, Asser, and Al-Baha, and may extend to the mountainous areas of Makkah. Temperatures in the Eastern Region will range from hot to extremely hot. Over the Red Sea, surface winds will blow from the southwest to northwest at 15–35 km/h in the central and northern areas, and from the north to northwest at 30–60 km/h in the south. Wave heights will be 0.5–1.5 meters in the central and northern Red Sea, reaching up to 3 meters in the south. The sea will be light to moderate in the north and central areas, becoming rough in the south. On the Arabian Gulf, winds will be from the northwest to northeast at 20–40 km/h in the north and 10–25 km/h in the south. Wave heights will be 1–2 meters in the north and 0.5–1 meter in the south, with moderate waves in the north and light waves in the south.

Implications and Impact

Travelers on the Makkah–Jazan road should exercise caution due to reduced visibility and potential flash floods from thunderstorms. Maritime activities in the southern Red Sea should be prepared for rough conditions. The extreme heat in the Eastern Region poses health risks, especially for outdoor workers and the elderly. The NCM’s timely warnings enable authorities to issue advisories and help the public take necessary precautions. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public safety and efficient disaster risk reduction, key components of Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Accurate and timely weather forecasting is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance public services and protect lives and property. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing in advanced meteorological technologies and infrastructure to improve resilience against natural hazards. The NCM’s work supports the sustainable development of regions like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy these destinations safely. As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a global hub for tourism and business, reliable weather information remains a cornerstone of its modernization journey.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the source of the weather forecast for Monday?

A1. The forecast is issued by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and distributed via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the official news agency of Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Which areas are expected to experience strong winds and dust?

A2. Strong winds carrying dust and sand are expected in the Eastern Region and along the road connecting Makkah to Jazan, potentially reducing visibility to near zero.

Q3. Where are thunderstorms likely to occur?

A3. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are likely in parts of Jazan, Asser, and Al-Baha regions, extending to the mountainous areas of the Makkah region.

Q4. What will the weather be like in the Eastern Region?

A4. The Eastern Region will experience hot to extremely hot weather conditions throughout the day.

Q5. What are the wind speeds expected over the Red Sea?

A5. Over the Red Sea, surface winds will blow from the southwest to northwest at 15–35 km/h in central and northern areas, and from the north to northwest at 30–60 km/h in the south.

Q6. What wave heights are forecast for the Red Sea?

A6. Wave heights will range from 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the central and northern Red Sea, reaching up to 3 meters in the southern part.

Q7. What are the sea conditions expected in the Red Sea?

A7. The sea will have light to moderate waves in the north and central areas, becoming rough in the south.

Q8. What are the wind speeds expected over the Arabian Gulf?

A8. On the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will blow from the northwest to northeast at 20–40 km/h in the north and 10–25 km/h in the south.

Q9. What wave heights are forecast for the Arabian Gulf?

A9. Wave heights will range from 1 to 2 meters in the northern Arabian Gulf and from 0.5 to 1 meter in the south.

Q10. What are the sea conditions expected in the Arabian Gulf?

A10. The Arabian Gulf will have moderate waves in the north and light waves in the south.

Q11. How might the weather affect travel on the Makkah–Jazan road?

A11. Strong winds carrying dust and sand could reduce visibility to near zero, making travel hazardous and requiring extra caution from drivers.

Q12. What is the National Center for Meteorology?

A12. The NCM is Saudi Arabia’s official authority for weather monitoring and forecasting, providing daily bulletins to ensure public safety and support various sectors.

Q13. Why is this weather forecast important for maritime activities?

A13. The forecast helps sailors and shipping operators prepare for rough seas, especially in the southern Red Sea where waves may reach up to 3 meters.

Q14. What health risks does the extreme heat in the Eastern Region pose?

A14. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for outdoor workers, the elderly, and children, necessitating precautions like hydration and avoiding peak sun hours.

Q15. How does the NCM disseminate its forecasts?

A15. The NCM releases forecasts through official channels, including the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), and its own digital platforms to reach the public and relevant authorities.

Q16. What role does the SPA play in weather reporting?

A16. The Saudi Press Agency is the official news agency that distributes NCM’s weather bulletins to media outlets and the public, ensuring widespread access to critical information.

Q17. Are there any specific precautions for residents in thunderstorm areas?

A17. Residents in Jazan, Asser, Al-Baha, and mountainous Makkah should avoid valleys and low-lying areas prone to flash floods and stay indoors during thunderstorms.

Q18. How does this forecast align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A18. It supports Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program by enhancing public safety and resilience, and by enabling reliable weather services for major projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project.

Q19. What is the significance of the Makkah–Jazan road?

A19. The Makkah–Jazan road is a vital transportation route for pilgrims, residents, and commercial traffic, making weather warnings essential for safe and efficient travel.

Q20. Where can the public find updates on the weather forecast?

A20. Updates are available through the National Center for Meteorology’s official website and social media channels, as well as via the Saudi Press Agency and other official media outlets.

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