- Saudi Arabia has strengthened its cloud-seeding capabilities with a dedicated operations centre.
- The centre uses real-time weather data and forecasting to identify suitable cloud-seeding targets.
- Aircraft missions are coordinated and adjusted according to changing weather conditions.
Located within the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the centre brings together weather observation, forecasting and operational data to support decisions on when and where cloud-seeding missions should be conducted.
The Regional Cloud Seeding Program, launched in 2022, uses cloud-seeding operations to enhance rainfall across parts of the Kingdom. Its operations centre monitors cloud development and weather conditions while analysing forecast and real-time data to identify potential targets.
Mission planning begins with weather forecasts covering the following 12 to 18 hours, alongside an outlook for the next two to four days. Forecasters then consider factors including seasonal weather patterns, cloud characteristics and the development of precipitation when designing daily missions.
Once a mission is approved, the centre works with the aviation sector to determine aircraft readiness and guide cloud-seeding aircraft towards selected targets. Flight plans can also be adjusted in real time as weather conditions change, with aircraft positions displayed on the operations centre’s radar system.
The programme currently operates four project seeding aircraft, equipped with seeding equipment, seeding agents and positioning systems.
For fire and emergency management professionals, the development is part of a wider investment in meteorological monitoring and forecasting capabilities across Saudi Arabia. Improved understanding of evolving weather conditions can provide critical information for anticipating environmental conditions and supporting operational planning.
The NCM says the Regional Cloud Seeding Program aims to use scientific and technological innovation to enhance rainfall and support ecosystem restoration, while strengthening its role in weather enhancement services across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
