The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a detailed weather forecast for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, highlighting high temperatures, dust-stirring winds, and potential thunderstorms across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The forecast, released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), provides critical updates for residents and travelers, particularly in the Eastern, Makkah, and Madinah regions.
Context and Background
Saudi Arabia’s diverse climate ranges from extreme heat in the deserts to milder conditions in the highlands. The NCM, a key government agency under the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME), plays a vital role in monitoring and disseminating weather-related information to ensure public safety and support economic activities such as agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
Key Details
The NCM forecasts high temperatures in parts of the Eastern, Makkah, and Madinah regions, with dust-stirring winds expected in these areas as well as in Riyadh, Najran, and the southwestern highlands. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and the southern highlands of Makkah Region.
Maritime conditions will see northwesterly to westerly winds over the Red Sea at speeds of 15-40 km/h in the north, and 25-55 km/h in the central and southern parts. Waves will range from 0.5 to 2.5 meters. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to westerly at 15-45 km/h in the north and center, and southwesterly to westerly at 10-30 km/h in the south, with waves of 0.5 to 2 meters.
Implications and Impact
The weather conditions may impact daily activities, particularly outdoor work and travel. Dust storms can reduce visibility, affecting road and air travel, while thunderstorms may lead to localized flooding in some areas. The maritime forecast is crucial for shipping and fishing industries, ensuring safe navigation in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Accurate weather forecasting aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing quality of life and building a sustainable economy. The NCM’s advanced meteorological capabilities support sectors like tourism, agriculture, and logistics, contributing to the Kingdom’s resilience and modernization efforts under Vision 2030.
20 Questions
Q1. What regions will experience high temperatures on Tuesday?
A1. High temperatures are expected in parts of the Eastern, Makkah, and Madinah regions.
Q2. Where will dust-stirring winds occur?
A2. Dust-stirring winds will blow in parts of the Eastern, Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Najran, and southwestern highlands.
Q3. Which areas are likely to see thunderstorms?
A3. Thunderstorms are expected in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and the southern highlands of Makkah Region.
Q4. What wind speeds are forecast for the Red Sea?
A4. Winds over the Red Sea will be 15-40 km/h in the north and 25-55 km/h in the central and southern parts.
Q5. How high will waves be in the Red Sea?
A5. Waves in the Red Sea will range from 0.5 to 2.5 meters.
Q6. What wind directions are expected in the Arabian Gulf?
A6. Winds will be northwesterly to westerly in the north and center, and southwesterly to westerly in the south.
Q7. What are the wind speeds in the Arabian Gulf?
A7. Winds will be 15-45 km/h in the north and center, and 10-30 km/h in the south.
Q8. How high will waves be in the Arabian Gulf?
A8. Waves will range from 0.5 to 2 meters.
Q9. What is the sea condition in the Red Sea?
A9. The sea will be calm to choppy.
Q10. What is the sea condition in the Arabian Gulf?
A10. The sea will be calm to choppy.
Q11. Which government agency issued the forecast?
A11. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued the forecast.
Q12. What is the role of the NCM?
A12. The NCM monitors and disseminates weather information to ensure public safety and support economic activities.
Q13. How does the weather impact travel?
A13. Dust storms reduce visibility, affecting road and air travel, while thunderstorms may cause localized flooding.
Q14. Why is the maritime forecast important?
A14. It ensures safe navigation for shipping and fishing industries in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Q15. How does weather forecasting support Vision 2030?
A15. It enhances quality of life and supports sectors like tourism, agriculture, and logistics, contributing to economic resilience.
Q16. What is the significance of the NCM’s work?
A16. The NCM’s advanced capabilities help mitigate weather-related risks and support Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts.
Q17. How does Vision 2030 relate to meteorology?
A17. Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainability and resilience, areas where accurate weather forecasting plays a critical role.
Q18. What sectors benefit from accurate weather forecasts?
A18. Tourism, agriculture, logistics, and transportation sectors benefit significantly from accurate weather forecasts.
Q19. How does the NCM contribute to public safety?
A19. By providing timely and accurate weather updates, the NCM helps the public prepare for adverse conditions.
Q20. What is the overall tone of the weather forecast?
A20. The forecast is factual and informative, aimed at ensuring public awareness and safety.
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