Riyadh — The National Center of Meteorology spokesman confirmed that they could not attribute the recent rains in Saudi Arabia’s regions to the cloud seeding with certainty.
Al-Qahtani remarked during an interview with Al-Ekhbariya after being asked about the increase in rain. He added that the seeding is currently in its second phase, which includes the southern and western regions of the Kingdom.
He said that specialists and the relevant operating rooms are indicating the amount of rain resulting from cloud seeding.
“We cannot now confirm the effect of the cloud seeding process as the reason for the recent rains, but, normally, the seeding process’ role is to increase rainfall in these areas that this process has targeted,” Al-Qahtani added.
In August, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) announced the start of the second phase of cloud seeding in the southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia.
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The cloud seeding program was a part of last year’s Green Middle East Summit announced by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It follows the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The NCM initiative integrates sustainable development, preserving the environment, and searching for ways to develop resources.
Cloud seeding induces more from a cloud by shooting a salt flare into the cloud. Salt particles naturally attract water that collides with each other, causing rainfall.
Cloud seeding can increase the quantity and quality of rain for certain clouds. It speeds up the precipitation process in predetermined areas.
The Kingdom, through the program, will enhance and contribute to adjusting its weather by increasing the rainfall from the current rate, which does not exceed 100 mm annually.
The artificial seeding program is employed as Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world. Additionally, it does not contain any permanent water bodies like rivers and lakes.
