The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for today (Wednesday), indicating the continuation of unstable weather conditions across most regions of Saudi Arabia. The center predicted the continued impact of active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility in several vital areas. This necessitates caution from citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways.

The meteorological department explained in its detailed statement that the weather conditions include active winds and dust, in addition to chances of rainfall in scattered parts of the Kingdom. The forecast covers the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Al-Qassim, Madinah, and Makkah regions, extending to the capital, Riyadh, with the effects also reaching parts of the Eastern Province. This widespread weather pattern reflects the transitional weather patterns characteristic of the Kingdom at this time of year.

Accompanying weather phenomena and fog formation

In addition to wind and rain, the National Center of Meteorology drew attention to the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours. This forecast is particularly focused on the coastal areas of the southwest of the Kingdom, which could cause zero or near-zero visibility in those coastal regions, requiring extra caution from coastal road users and fishermen.

Climate context and the importance of monitoring

These forecasts are based on the Kingdom's natural climate, as Saudi Arabia's diverse geography directly influences weather patterns. Dust-laden surface winds are a common phenomenon that periodically affects open areas and major cities, highlighting the crucial role of the National Center for Meteorology in early monitoring and issuing timely alerts to protect lives and property.

Public safety recommendations

Given these forecasts, weather experts and relevant authorities advise following public safety guidelines. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and remain indoors as much as possible during periods of high winds. Drivers are also urged to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when driving in areas experiencing heavy dust or rainfall, and to stay away from wadis and floodplains in rainy areas to ensure their safety.

The Saudi Royal Court issued an official statement announcing the call by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - to hold the prayer for rain throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, the 24th of Sha’ban, 1447 AH, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

The statement called upon all Muslims to increase their repentance, seek forgiveness, and return to God Almighty, and to be diligent in showing kindness to others through charity and relieving their distress. The statement emphasized the importance of these good deeds as means of invoking God's mercy and bringing rain. The statement also urged those who are able to perform prayers in designated prayer areas and mosques, as a demonstration of their dependence on God and their earnest supplication.

A confirmed tradition and a great Islamic heritage

The prayer for rain (Istisqa') is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), performed when rain is scarce and the land and its people are in need of water. It consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer) in which the imam recites aloud, followed by a sermon in which he admonishes the people, urging them to repent and abandon sins. He then turns his cloak inside out as a symbolic gesture of hope for a change from drought to abundance and from hardship to prosperity. Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently observed this ritual, reflecting the leadership and people's adherence to Islamic identity and their reliance on God in times of both ease and hardship.

The importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness to receive divine mercy

In Islamic thought, the supplication for rain is closely linked to the state of the worshippers and their closeness to God. Seeking forgiveness is considered a key to sustenance and the descent of rain, as confirmed by Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions. Hence, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' call to emphasize the spiritual and social aspects of this supplication, advising Muslims, before going out to prayer, to purify their hearts, return what is owed to its rightful owners, and show compassion towards one another, for God's mercy towards His servants necessitates their compassion in return.

On such occasions, the mosques and prayer halls of the Kingdom witness the influx of crowds of citizens and residents, led by the princes of the regions and officials, in a scene of faith that embodies unity and supplication to the Almighty Creator, asking the Lord to grant relief to the country and its people, and to make what He sends down a message for the present and the future.

The General Authority for Roads revealed the initial results of the sixth edition of its "Safe and Distinguished Roads" campaign. Statistics from the first day showed 3,300 various observations recorded on the road network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This intensive campaign, which targets the road network outside urban areas, is part of ongoing efforts to raise safety and maintenance standards and ensure the quality of the road infrastructure, which is vital for transportation and logistics in the country.

Monitoring details and geographical distribution of observations

Data released by the authority showed that the Riyadh region topped the list of regions with the most recorded observations, with 440, reflecting the size of the network and the intensity of fieldwork there. The Makkah region came in second with 423 observations, followed by Madinah with 421, then Qassim with 335, the Eastern Province with 352, and Al-Jawf with 326.

The survey also included the rest of the Kingdom’s regions, where 253 observations were recorded in Tabuk, 219 in Asir, 216 in Hail, 120 in the Northern Borders, 116 in Najran, and 58 in Al-Baha, while Jazan recorded the lowest number of observations with 35 observations.

Strategic partnership and integration between entities

The sixth edition of the campaign is distinguished by its broad participation and integration across various governmental and academic sectors, with over 620 members distributed across 61 field teams. These teams include representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Special Forces for Road Security, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in addition to the active participation of university students, thus fostering a spirit of social responsibility and transferring practical experience to the next generation of engineers and specialists.

Campaign context and the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The "Safe and Distinguished Roads" campaign is of paramount strategic importance in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, specifically the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom sixth globally in road quality and reduce traffic fatalities to their lowest levels. The General Authority for Roads acts as the regulatory and supervisory body to ensure the application of the highest safety and quality standards, with the field survey serving as a proactive step to address visual distortions and potential hazards before they escalate.

The importance of the road network and its economic impact

The road network in Saudi Arabia is one of the largest and most extensive in the world, connecting geographically dispersed cities and provinces and serving international trade, Hajj, and Umrah pilgrimages. Therefore, maintaining the readiness of these roads not only enhances traffic safety but also boosts economic efficiency, reduces vehicle operating costs, and supports the tourism and logistics sectors, which rely entirely on a robust and reliable infrastructure.

Call for community participation

In closing, the General Authority for Roads reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to be partners in success by identifying, photographing, and reporting visual distortions through the designated channels. The Authority emphasizes that user engagement directly contributes to expediting the resolution process and providing better services to road users, and it remains committed to continuing its efforts to overcome all obstacles that may hinder road users.