Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia is witnessing a notable shift in its rainfall patterns, with the annual peak moving from November to December, according to new scientific assessments by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM).
The center said this evolving climate trend underscores the importance of strengthened monitoring, proactive forecasting and continued research to understand the atmospheric changes shaping the Kingdom’s weather systems.
NCM CEO Ayman Ghulam said the center’s proactive bulletins and predictive data issued in recent days played a direct role in helping authorities successfully manage the widespread rainy conditions across the Kingdom.
He said accurate information and continuous updates enhanced field preparedness and accelerated decision-making.
Speaking from the operations room as the weather system was being monitored, Dr. Ghulam said the rapid response by relevant authorities to the warning data and predictive solutions provided by the NCM improved coordination and strengthened efforts to manage evolving weather conditions. This, he noted, reinforced safety measures and helped limit the system’s impact.
He added that the NCM’s General Administration for Research, Development, and Innovation is conducting specialized studies to better understand the atmospheric changes behind the shift in rainfall patterns and their long-term implications.
Ghulam also highlighted stronger integration between the center and government agencies, reflected in faster field responses and improved operational efficiency.
He pointed to several key studies conducted by the NCM, including research on rainfall intensity and mitigation strategies, as well as multiple meetings and workshops with stakeholders—efforts he said are now yielding tangible results.
He reaffirmed the center’s commitment to enhancing early-warning readiness and advancing monitoring and forecasting capabilities, ensuring field agencies receive accurate, timely information to respond effectively to high-impact weather events.
