The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced the near end of winter officially, as the official spokesman for the center, Hussein Al-Qahtani, confirmed that the Kingdom will bid farewell to the winter season in just 12 days, after which a new phase of weather fluctuations will begin, paving the way for the arrival of spring and a gradual rise in temperatures.

Temperature variations between regions

In a press statement, Al-Qahtani explained that this year witnessed a noticeable variation in temperatures across different regions of the Kingdom. He noted that some Saudi cities barely felt the usual chill for this time of year, as the weather was warmer than average in those areas. The official spokesperson attributed this variation to the geographical nature of the region and the movement of air masses, with cold waves and air masses concentrating primarily and intensely over the northern and central regions of the Kingdom, resulting in truly wintry conditions compared to other areas.

Gradual rise and the beginning of climate change

Al-Qahtani added that signs of winter's departure are becoming increasingly evident through the gradual rise in temperatures currently being observed, particularly in coastal areas which are experiencing warmer weather earlier than usual. This period is considered transitional and sensitive in the Kingdom's climate, as the weather system begins to change in preparation for spring, necessitating continuous monitoring of weather forecasts.

The climatic and geographical context of the Kingdom

This announcement comes in the context of the great climatic diversity that Saudi Arabia enjoys due to its vast area. While the northern regions (such as Tabuk, Hail, and the Northern Borders) experience sharp drops in temperature, sometimes reaching below zero degrees Celsius, and snowfall due to their proximity to polar influences, the coastal regions (such as Jeddah and Dammam) enjoy a more moderate and humid climate due to the influence of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, which explains why the inhabitants of these regions do not feel the harsh winter cold.

The importance of following weather updates

As the season draws to a close, the official spokesperson emphasized the importance of citizens and residents continuing to follow the weather updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology regularly. This call is particularly crucial during the transitional periods between seasons, when rapid weather changes, surface wind activity, and the possibility of scattered rainfall are common, potentially impacting daily activities and travel on highways.

In conclusion, this announcement indicates that the next few days will witness a gradual decline in the manifestations of winter, with the continued upward trend in temperature, so that the Kingdom will begin a new climatic chapter characterized by warmth and relative stability in most regions, with the exception of the highlands, which may retain some cold for a longer period.

The government press conference, which is organized periodically by the Ministry of Media, kicked off this afternoon (Monday) in the capital, Riyadh, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote effective government communication and to inform local and international public opinion about the most prominent national developments and achievements within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

This conference is of particular importance given the vital issues it addresses, hosting Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari, and President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi. This ministerial gathering reflects the integration among government entities in providing services and developing digital and social infrastructure.

Transformation in the third sector and the housing system

At the outset of the conference, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail will address the radical transformation of the third sector (the non-profit sector) within the municipalities and housing system. This focus is a cornerstone of the Vision's objectives, which aim to increase the non-profit sector's contribution to the GDP. The Minister is expected to highlight developmental housing initiatives and community partnerships that have helped provide housing for the most vulnerable families, and how this sector is being transformed from a welfare-based approach to one focused on development and sustainability.

Transparency and national achievements

For his part, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari will review the Kingdom's most prominent developments and achievements across various sectors. Al-Dossari's remarks come within the framework of enhancing government transparency, as the government press conference serves as a key platform for answering public questions and clarifying facts, thereby strengthening trust between citizens and officials. The Minister will also address the significant strides the Kingdom has recently made in international indicators and major projects.

Artificial intelligence in the service of charitable work

In a related technical session, Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, President of SDAIA, discusses the role of data and artificial intelligence in enhancing the efficiency of the Ihsan platform. With the approach of Ramadan, the peak of charitable giving, the importance of technology in ensuring donations reach their intended recipients accurately and reliably becomes paramount. SDAIA is leveraging its advanced digital infrastructure to empower charitable work, streamline the donor experience, and ensure the governance of donations, positioning the Kingdom as a leading model in the digitalization of humanitarian work.

This conference reflects the Saudi government’s commitment to the principle of transparency and participation, and highlights the efforts made to improve the quality of life, whether through providing suitable housing or developing digital services that serve the most needy groups in society.