The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report for today (Tuesday), indicating continued weather fluctuations affecting several regions of the Kingdom. The report included forecasts of active surface winds that may stir up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility in open areas and on highways.

The meteorological department explained in its detailed statement that the impact of the active winds will extend to large parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Madinah, and Riyadh regions. This weather pattern will also affect the eastern parts of the western and southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, prompting caution among motorists in those areas due to the possibility of dust storms and reduced visibility.

In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology highlighted another weather phenomenon coinciding with the winds: the formation of dense fog during the night and early morning hours. Fog is expected in parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, with a significant decrease in visibility anticipated in the highlands of these areas. The center also warned of near-zero or zero horizontal visibility along the coastal areas of the Eastern Province due to dense fog and high humidity.

These forecasts are consistent with the typical climatic characteristics of Saudi Arabia, whose geography is marked by significant topographical diversity, encompassing open desert regions, humid coastal areas, and mountainous highlands. This diversity contributes to varying weather patterns, with some areas experiencing dust storms while others experience dense fog or rain, reflecting the continental nature of the Arabian Peninsula's climate.

As a precaution, weather experts and relevant authorities always advise caution in such conditions. Drivers on highways connecting areas affected by wind and dust are advised to reduce speed and use headlights when visibility is reduced. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and sand to protect their health. In foggy areas, adhering to traffic regulations and maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for everyone's safety.

The National Center for Meteorology plays a pivotal role in monitoring and tracking these weather changes using the latest technologies and early warning systems, with the aim of providing citizens, residents and government agencies with accurate and up-to-date information to ensure public safety and facilitate movement between different regions of the Kingdom.

The Citizen Account Program began depositing the support allocated for the current month of February into the bank accounts of beneficiaries this morning, Tuesday, for the 99th payment of the program. The program confirmed that the deposit operations will continue throughout the day until the amounts have been deposited for all beneficiaries who have met the eligibility conditions and entitlement criteria for this cycle.

The program administration explained that this payment includes temporary “additional support,” which comes in implementation of the generous royal directives aimed at protecting eligible families from the repercussions of rising global prices. The program continues its pivotal role in alleviating the financial burdens on citizens. Beneficiaries can view the details of the payment and the exact amount due by accessing the program’s smartphone application or through its official website.

Background and Strategic Objectives
: Launched in December 2017, the Citizen Account Program is one of the most important national programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was designed to protect Saudi families from the direct and indirect effects of various economic reforms, such as energy and water price adjustments and the implementation of value-added tax (VAT). The program's regulations are reviewed periodically to ensure that support is directed to those most in need, thereby enhancing the efficiency of government spending and achieving social justice.

The economic and social importance
of the support program is paramount, both locally and socially. It contributes to strengthening the purchasing power of low- and middle-income families, which positively impacts commercial activity in local markets. The program also serves as a social safety net, ensuring a decent standard of living for citizens amidst global economic changes. This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes citizen well-being and quality of life.

The program called on beneficiaries to update their data periodically in case of any change in social status or financial income, to ensure the continuity of support and that eligibility is not affected, stressing that transparency in disclosing data is the basic criterion for calculating the value of support due to each family.