The Kingdom celebrates the Arab Day for Weather Observers and Forecasters
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Meteorology, joins its fellow Arab nations in celebrating the Arab Day of the Weather Observer and Forecaster, which falls on May 2nd each year. This year's celebration, themed "We Observe to Protect Our Society... and Develop Our Nations," underscores the vital and crucial role played by weather observers and forecasters in safeguarding lives and property, as well as supporting sustainable development across various vital sectors. The celebration aims to highlight joint Arab efforts in developing weather observation and forecasting capabilities, enhancing preparedness for extreme weather events, raising public awareness of the importance of climate information, and fostering the exchange of expertise and knowledge among Arab countries in the field of meteorology.
The historical context of establishing the Arab Day for the Weather Observer and Forecaster
The designation of this day was not arbitrary, but rather the culmination of tireless efforts and a forward-looking vision. It is worth noting that the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Meteorology and Climate Affairs had previously adopted a formal proposal submitted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to dedicate a day to celebrate weather observers and forecasters. This adoption came in recognition of the tireless efforts exerted by these specialists around the clock, leading to the official designation of May 2nd of each year as the date for this occasion. This regional endorsement reflects the Arab appreciation for Saudi initiatives aimed at unifying efforts in the meteorological sector and establishing a solid foundation for joint Arab cooperation in confronting the climate challenges facing the entire world.
The strategic importance and impact of meteorological monitoring locally and regionally
The importance of meteorology extends far beyond simply knowing the daily weather; it has become a cornerstone of strategic planning for nations. At the local level, accurate forecasts play a crucial role in protecting infrastructure and guiding the aviation, agriculture, and maritime sectors, positively impacting the national economy. At the regional and international levels, the exchange of climate data contributes to mitigating the risks of natural disasters, such as sandstorms and flash floods, which know no geographical boundaries. The accelerating climate change affecting our planet makes the development of meteorological systems an urgent necessity to ensure the safety and security of communities and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by relevant international organizations.
Developing monitoring systems and relying on national personnel
In this context, the CEO of the National Center for Meteorology, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, affirmed that the Kingdom places great importance on the meteorology sector through the continuous development of monitoring and forecasting systems and the optimal utilization of the latest available global technologies. He explained that these steps directly contribute to increasing the accuracy of forecasts and enhancing public safety. Dr. Ghulam pointed out that the national workforce of observers and forecasters represents a fundamental pillar of the meteorological work system, as they bear a pivotal role in supporting decision-making and professionally handling various weather conditions.
He added, congratulating the weather observers and forecasters on this occasion: “We appreciate the tremendous efforts exerted by weather observers and forecasters, and the precise professional work they provide, which contributes to protecting lives and property and raising the level of preparedness for dealing with weather phenomena. We are proud of our national workforce, which continues to work efficiently and effectively to serve the nation and society.” The National Center of Meteorology is also working on implementing a package of high-quality initiatives and programs, and strengthening strategic partnerships with relevant entities, in order to achieve national integration and enhance the efficiency of response to weather events, in accordance with the highest and best international practices.
