NCM Forecast: Dusty Winds, Rain, High Heat Across Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, July 9, 2024 — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a detailed weather forecast for Tuesday, warning of dust-stirring winds along the Makkah-Jazan road and forecasting gusty conditions with possible rain in parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, while the Eastern Region braces for high temperatures. The NCM’s bulletin, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), provides a comprehensive overview of expected conditions across the Kingdom, including wind speeds and sea states in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

Context and Background

The National Center for Meteorology is the official Saudi authority responsible for monitoring weather patterns and issuing forecasts to ensure public safety and support key sectors such as aviation, maritime transport, and agriculture. Its regular updates are vital for residents, pilgrims, and businesses operating in the Kingdom. The Makkah-Jazan road, a major artery for pilgrims and travelers, is particularly susceptible to dust storms, which can reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. The NCM’s proactive alerts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life and ensuring secure transportation networks.

Key Details

According to the NCM, dust-stirring winds will affect the road connecting Makkah to Jazan, urging motorists to exercise caution. Parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha will experience gusty weather, with a chance of rain, which could bring relief to these mountainous regions. In contrast, the Eastern Region will see high temperatures, emphasizing the need for heat precautions. Over the Red Sea, winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly at 15–35 km/h in the northern and central parts, and northerly to northwesterly at 25–50 km/h in the southern part. Waves may range from half a meter to three meters, and the sea will be calm to choppy. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 15–35 km/h in the northern part, and southeasterly to northeasterly at 15–35 km/h in the southern part, with waves from half a meter to one and a half meters, and a calm to choppy sea.

Implications and Impact

The forecast has several implications for daily life and economic activities. Travelers on the Makkah-Jazan road should prepare for reduced visibility and possible delays, while farmers in Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha may benefit from rainfall, which supports local agriculture. The high temperatures in the Eastern Region could increase energy demand for cooling, and authorities may advise residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Maritime conditions in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf are expected to be manageable, but sailors and shipping companies should remain vigilant, especially in areas with stronger winds and higher waves. These conditions are typical for the season and demonstrate the NCM’s role in enabling proactive planning across sectors.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Accurate and timely weather forecasts are integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors. By providing reliable meteorological data, the National Center for Meteorology supports tourism, pilgrimage, and economic activities, ensuring safety and efficiency. As the Kingdom continues to develop smart cities and expand its infrastructure, such forecasts will remain essential for sustainable growth and global engagement.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the main weather warning issued by the National Center for Meteorology?

A1. The NCM warns of dust-stirring winds on the Makkah-Jazan road, posing visibility hazards for travelers.

Q2. Which regions are expected to experience gusty weather and possible rain?

A2. Parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha are forecast to have gusty conditions with a chance of rain.

Q3. What weather condition is predicted for the Eastern Region?

A3. The Eastern Region will register high temperatures, requiring precautions against heat stress.

Q4. What are the wind speeds over the Red Sea in the northern and central parts?

A4. Winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly at speeds of 15-35 km/h in the northern and central parts.

Q5. What are the wind speeds over the Red Sea in the southern part?

A5. Winds will be northerly to northwesterly at speeds of 25-50 km/h in the southern part.

Q6. What is the expected wave height range in the Red Sea?

A6. Waves may range from half a meter to three meters, with sea conditions calm to choppy.

Q7. What are the wind directions and speeds in the Arabian Gulf’s northern part?

A7. Winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at speeds of 15-35 km/h in the northern part.

Q8. What are the wind directions and speeds in the Arabian Gulf’s southern part?

A8. Winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly at speeds of 15-35 km/h in the southern part.

Q9. What is the expected wave height range in the Arabian Gulf?

A9. Waves may range from half a meter to one and a half meters, with sea conditions calm to choppy.

Q10. Why is the Makkah-Jazan road particularly affected by dust?

A10. The road traverses arid areas prone to dust storms, which can reduce visibility and create driving hazards.

Q11. How does the NCM’s forecast support public safety?

A11. By providing timely alerts, it helps travelers, sailors, and residents prepare for adverse conditions and avoid risks.

Q12. What economic activities could be impacted by the forecast?

A12. Agriculture in rain-affected regions, energy demand in hot areas, and maritime transport in the Red Sea and Gulf.

Q13. What should travelers on the Makkah-Jazan road do?

A13. They should exercise caution, reduce speed, and be prepared for sudden visibility drops due to blowing dust.

Q14. How might the rain affect Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha?

A14. The rain can benefit local agriculture but may also cause slippery roads and minor flooding in low-lying areas.

Q15. What precautions are advised for the Eastern Region’s high temperatures?

A15. Residents should stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and use cooling measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Q16. How does this forecast align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A16. It supports Vision 2030 by enhancing public safety, quality of life, and economic resilience through accurate weather information.

Q17. What is the role of the National Center for Meteorology?

A17. The NCM monitors weather, issues forecasts, and provides early warnings to protect lives and property across the Kingdom.

Q18. Are sea conditions expected to be dangerous for small boats?

A18. Conditions are calm to choppy; small boats should monitor updates, as waves could reach up to three meters in the southern Red Sea.

Q19. How often does the NCM issue weather forecasts?

A19. The NCM issues regular updates, typically daily, and more frequently during severe weather events to keep the public informed.

Q20. What should maritime operators in the Arabian Gulf expect?

A20. They should expect northwesterly to northeasterly winds at 15-35 km/h and wave heights up to 1.5 meters, with calm to choppy seas.

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