The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Saudi Arabia today (Friday), indicating significant weather changes affecting several regions. The report included forecasts of a drop in temperatures accompanied by active winds that may reduce horizontal visibility, urging caution from citizens, residents, and highway users.

Weather details and affected areas

The center explained in its statement that the drop in temperatures will be concentrated mainly in the northern parts of the Kingdom, specifically in the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders . These changes are part of the usual weather fluctuations in these areas, which are often the first point of entry for cold air masses coming from the north.

In a related context, the meteorological department highlighted the impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province . These weather phenomena are among the climatic features that require special attention from those with respiratory conditions and drivers in open areas.

Chance of rain and fog in the highlands

The report not only mentioned wind and low temperatures, but also indicated that there is still a chance of light rain in parts of the aforementioned regions, as well as parts of the highlands of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan . The report also noted the possibility of fog forming in parts of the highlands of these regions, making it even more important to adhere to traffic safety guidelines while driving on slopes and mountain passes.

The geographical and climatic context of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by a wide geographical and climatic diversity, with weather patterns varying between coastal, desert, and mountainous regions. The southwestern highlands (Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan) play a prominent role in receiving rainfall and fog due to their geographical nature and elevation above sea level, while the northern and central regions are directly affected by surface winds and passing low-pressure systems.

The importance of following weather reports

The National Center for Meteorology is the official body authorized to issue weather forecasts and warnings in the Kingdom. These reports are of paramount importance in preserving lives and property, as they guide relevant authorities and the public in taking necessary precautions. Experts always advise following continuous weather updates through official channels, especially during periods of transitional weather fluctuations, to ensure public safety and avoid risks resulting from heavy dust storms, flash floods, or reduced visibility due to fog.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing food security and improving the efficiency of services provided to pilgrims, the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid Al-Hogail, launched the "Mawrdi" platform in the Holy City of Mecca. This initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between Al-Balad Al-Ameen Company (the investment arm of the Holy City Municipality) and Sari Company, a leader in supply chain solutions, to form a unified digital platform for managing and organizing food supply chains in the Holy City.

Strategic context within Vision 2030

The launch of this platform comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the Kingdom's accelerated progress towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030, particularly the "Serving the Guests of God" program. The Kingdom aims to host 30 million Umrah and Hajj pilgrims annually by 2030, a goal that necessitates a robust logistical infrastructure and smart supply systems capable of handling this enormous demand. Makkah is a unique global model for crowd management, making the automation of supply chains an urgent necessity to ensure food sustainability and safety.

The importance of the platform for food security in the holy sites

The launch of "Mawrdi" is of paramount importance given the unique geographical and temporal characteristics of Mecca. The high demand during Hajj and Umrah seasons necessitates a precise balance between supply and demand to prevent food waste or shortages. The new platform serves as a vital link in the catering system, which meets the needs of over 1.8 million pilgrims during the season, in addition to millions of Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year. This digital transformation ensures the availability of high-quality food at competitive prices, while reducing reliance on paper-based and traditional transactions that may present operational challenges.

How the platform works and its technical features

The "Mawrdi" platform operates as an integrated B2B marketplace, connecting suppliers with central kitchens, catering companies, and other relevant entities within a unified digital environment. The platform offers advanced features including:

• Order management and real-time tracking of operations to ensure on-time delivery.
• Providing accurate data and analysis to support strategic decision-making for regulatory and commercial entities.
• Enabling suppliers to showcase their products, manage inventory and purchase orders electronically to increase market reach.
• Providing kitchens and catering companies with the opportunity to track supply chains and proof of delivery to ensure reliability.

Strengthening governance and transparency

The launch ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Makkah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Balad Al-Ameen Company, Mr. Musaed Al-Dawood, along with several industry leaders. The platform primarily aims to enhance seasonal preparedness by providing real-time market insights, thereby improving coordination among stakeholders and implementing clear procurement and supply standards. This approach strengthens governance, transparency, and rapid response to any emergencies in the supply chain, positively impacting the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage experience and improving operational efficiency for service providers.