About This Outlook
Driven by our founding mission to protect mariners' lives and help in times of crisis, Weathernews is providing this general weather trend as a reference for the public and stakeholders monitoring the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East.
For a limited time, Weathernews is publicly disclosing port forecasts for the Middle East via our platform SeaNavigator Free. We monitor highly congested ports and areas facing adverse weather, updating four times daily with 48-hour, 5-day, and 7-day outlooks.
Weathernews Maritime Forecaster comment:
Northwesterly winds are expected to strengthen intermittently across the Persian Gulf this week.
On the 18th, a strong pressure gradient between high pressure over the Arabian Peninsula and a low-pressure system over eastern Iran is generating moderately strong northwesterly winds across the southern Persian Gulf, with average wind speeds around 20kt (10m/s).
On the 19th, a low-pressure system is forecast to move southward from Iraq into the northern Persian Gulf. As a result, winds are expected to strengthen to around 15–20kt (8–10m/s), particularly over the northern Gulf, including areas near Kuwait. Blowing dust is also expected, and reduced visibility may affect operations.
From the 20th into the 21st, another low-pressure system may develop and intensify over western Iran and near Afghanistan. This could lead to strengthening westerly winds over the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the central and southern Persian Gulf, with localized winds potentially reaching 20–30kt (10–20m/s).
Surface pressure, wind and wave patterns over the Middle East, valid May 20, 2026, 1100UTC
Select port forecasts in the Middle East via Weathernews SeaNavigator Free
■ BANDAR ABBAS, Iran
■ SAFAGA, Egypt
■ KUWAIT, Kuwait
View Full Port List & Detailed Forecasts on SeaNavigator Free
Disclaimer: This outlook is provided for informational purposes only; our actionable, ship-specific advisories are exclusively available through our paid maritime solutions. Weathernews Inc. assumes no liability for navigational decisions, losses, or damages resulting from reliance on this general overview.
Major Ports with Published Port Forecasts
Persian Gulf Region
- United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi Port, Dubai Port, Fujairah Port, Khor Fakkan Port, Mubarak Terminal, Fateh Terminal
- Iran: Bandar Abbas Port, Larak Island
- Qatar: Doha Port, Ras Laffan Port
- Bahrain: Bahrain Port, Sitra Port
- Saudi Arabia: Ras Tanura Port, Jubail Port
- Kuwait: Kuwait Port
- Iraq: Al Basrah Oil Terminal
In addition, approximately 150 locations are covered, including ports in the Red Sea and the west coast of India.
