Something I always do before starting out on a trip is to check the weather at my destination.
It’s much easier to pack if I know what kind of clothes I need. For a city in the US or Europe there are many sources for good weather forecasts but what if I’m taking a trek to Arar, Tabuk, Taif or Al-Baha? In that case it’s best to turn to pme.gov.sa.
The website of the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration offers comprehensive five-day forecasts for cities all over Saudi Arabia. The forecasts include satellite images and helpful information on various weather phenomena. For example, residents of Abha should expect thunderstorms this coming weekend. While unfortunately, the folks in Sharourah will be tormented by dust and duststorms all week.
The site is clearly a work in progress and the English spelling is a bit creative in some sections, but the information provided is still very worthwhile. Be sure to check out the section on air quality data for your area. If the numbers and abbreviations are incomprehensible, read through the section on air quality standards and learn about something that could have an impact on your health.
