The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins the international community in celebrating World Meteorological Day , which falls on March 23rd each year. This year, the Kingdom's participation comes under the inspiring theme "Monitoring Today... Protecting Tomorrow," underscoring the vital importance of meteorological and climate monitoring in supporting human well-being and enhancing preparedness for various extreme weather events and the accelerating climate changes facing our planet.
Historical roots and a global journey towards climate protection
To delve into the broader context of this significant event, World Meteorological Day commemorates the official founding of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on March 23, 1950. Since then, the WMO has been dedicated to uniting international efforts to monitor and forecast Earth's atmosphere. This day provides an annual opportunity to highlight the vital contributions of national meteorological and hydrological services to the safety and well-being of communities. Over the decades, observational methods have evolved from simple instruments to sophisticated networks utilizing satellites and supercomputers to provide highly detailed climate information.
Strategic dimensions and far-reaching effects both locally and internationally
The importance of this event and its anticipated impact are evident on several interconnected levels. Internationally, climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, making the exchange of accurate climate data crucial for mitigating natural disasters and reducing human and material losses. Locally and regionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on environmental and climate sustainability, which aligns perfectly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the "Saudi Green" initiative. Accurate meteorological information directly contributes to protecting infrastructure, supporting the aviation and agriculture sectors, and ensuring maritime navigation, thus positively impacting the national economy and the food and water security of the entire region.
A qualitative development in the Saudi meteorological system
This occasion comes amidst unprecedented qualitative development in the Kingdom's meteorological system. Relevant authorities have employed the latest global technologies, developed monitoring and early warning systems, and strengthened effective integration with all relevant entities. All these efforts contribute to a higher goal: ensuring the safety of lives, protecting public and private property, and supporting decision-making based on accurate and reliable scientific data.
This is one of the seasonal signs associated with the beginning of the second month of spring, accompanied by climatic changes, increased plant growth, and the larger size of truffles during this period. #Today
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— Al-Youm Newspaper (@alyaum) March 23, 2026
In this context, the CEO of the National Center for Meteorology, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, explained that the Kingdom's participation in this global event clearly reflects its leading and pivotal role in developing meteorological services at both the regional and international levels. Dr. Ghulam pointed out that strategic investment in advanced monitoring technologies and artificial intelligence applications has significantly contributed to improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and enhancing the efficiency of early warning systems, ultimately supporting public safety and the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
