The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather forecast for Tuesday, coinciding with the Supreme Court's call for Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan. This weather report is of paramount importance as it is the decisive factor in determining whether the crescent moon can be sighted with the naked eye or through astronomical instruments.

In detail, the National Center for Meteorology confirmed that, in preparation for the crescent moon sighting tonight, forecasts indicate generally stable weather conditions across the central region, which may enhance visibility in areas that include some of the most well-known moon-sighting observatories, such as Sudair and Tamir. Conversely, the center noted that skies will be partly to mostly cloudy over the western parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions, which may pose a natural obstacle for the moon-sighting committees in those northern provinces.

For his part, the official spokesman for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, explained additional details about the influencing weather elements, noting that the weather may witness activity in surface winds that stir up dust and sand, the effects of which extend to include the eastern parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions, which may lead to a decrease in the horizontal visibility in those locations.

Regarding other weather phenomena, the center noted in its daily report the possibility of light rain in the northern parts of the Kingdom. The report also warned of the potential for dense fog during the night and early morning hours, which could reduce visibility in the coastal areas of Makkah, Asir, and Jazan regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Province.

The weather on this day is of great interest both locally and internationally, as Saudi Arabia relies on the sighting of the new moon to determine the start of Ramadan. Weather conditions such as dust, clouds, and high humidity are among the most significant challenges facing those observing the crescent. Therefore, the stable weather conditions in the central region are a positive indicator for the expected observations this evening.

The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions for Tuesday, coinciding with the anticipation of millions in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world for the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan. This report is of particular importance given the crucial role that weather conditions play in determining whether the crescent moon can be seen with the naked eye or through astronomical instruments.

The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, explained that the weather will be generally stable over the central region, which may enhance visibility in those areas if the horizon is clear. Conversely, the report indicated that the sky will be partly to mostly cloudy over the western parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions, which may pose a natural obstacle for the moon-sighting committees in those northern and northwestern areas.

In a related development, the meteorological department warned of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, with their effects extending to the eastern parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions. These weather phenomena are among the influential factors considered when determining locations for astronomical observations, as elevated areas far from light pollution and suspended dust are always preferred.

The center's report also included forecasts of light rain in the northern parts of the Kingdom, bringing pleasant winter weather coinciding with the start of the holy month. The report also warned of reduced horizontal visibility due to fog formation during the night and early morning hours in the coastal areas of Makkah, Asir, and Jazan regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Province, urging motorists on highways in those areas to exercise caution.

This close monitoring by the National Center for Meteorology comes within the framework of integrated efforts between government agencies to ensure the accuracy of the crescent sighting process, as the Supreme Court and sighting committees rely heavily on weather reports to guide observatories and explain the inability to see in some areas, reflecting the great importance of weather monitoring in religious and social events in the Kingdom.

As Muslims in Saudi Arabia turned their gaze to the sky on Tuesday evening in response to the Supreme Court's call to sight the crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan, the National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions, which play a crucial role in the possibility of seeing the crescent with the naked eye or astronomical telescopes.

Weather conditions during the sighting

The National Center for Meteorology explained in its statement issued today that the weather will be generally stable over the central region, which may enhance visibility at observatories in those areas if the atmosphere is clear. Conversely, the report indicated that the sky will be partly to mostly cloudy over the western parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions, which may pose a natural obstacle for moon-sighting committees in those northern areas.

In a statement by the official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, it was confirmed that the weather will not be free of some influential weather phenomena, as there will be active winds stirring up dust and sand, the effects of which will extend to include the eastern parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions, which may relatively affect the extent of horizontal visibility in those locations.

The effect of weather on crescent moon sighting

Weather forecasts become crucial at this time of year, as the official start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new moon. Weather conditions such as dust, suspended particles, clouds, and high humidity pose significant challenges for observers at astronomical observatories throughout the Kingdom, such as those in Sudair and Tamir. Dust or cloud cover can obscure the crescent moon, even if it is astronomically visible, thus requiring the completion of the month of Sha'ban as a 30-day month if the new moon cannot be sighted.

Rain and fog forecasts and safety alerts

Aside from the sighting of the new moon, the National Center for Meteorology's report included a forecast of light rain in the northern parts of the Kingdom. The center also warned drivers and highway users of the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, leading to reduced horizontal visibility, particularly in the coastal areas of Makkah, Asir, and Jazan regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Province. The relevant authorities urge everyone to exercise caution and follow official weather forecasts to ensure public safety.