Saudi Arabia sows artificial rain in 3 cities

Saudi Arabia embarked on the first phase of artificial rain operations in areas above Riyadh, al-Qassim, and Hail on April 26.

Riyadh is one of three cities chosen to sow clouds.

The engineering of weather modification is part of an effort to increase the annual rainfall (which is only 100 mm/year) in Saudi Arabia by 10-20%. Cloud seeding is a technique that involves introducing chemicals into the clouds, such as tiny silver iodide particles, to increase rain from the cloud. This causes the water droplets to gather around the silver iodide. Drops of water collide to form larger drops and increase the chance of rain falling.

As one of the driest countries in the world, the Saudi project aims to reduce desertification through increased rainfall. This is one of the goals of Green Saudi Arabia, an initiative to increase vegetation and adaptability to climate change.

Ayman Ghulam, director of the National Meteorological Center and manager of the cloud-sowing program, said the program operation room opened on February 25 at the central headquarters in Riyadh and the first flight will take off near the capital. . Ghulam emphasized that they have met their goals in terms of results and time frame of cloud seeding. The program will monitor cloud formation across the country to find the optimal location for sowing clouds. Authorities will also use eco-friendly materials to increase rainfall in targeted areas.

According to Gluham, cloud seeding is one of the promising methods for preserving water balance in a safe, easily regulated and cost-effective manner. Similar technology is being used in many countries. China has spent billions of dollars to change the weather ahead of major events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics. By 2025, the country will have a weather modification system that causes artificial rain over 5.5 million square kilometers and drought. hail control over 580,000 square kilometers.