Rain is rare in Saudi Arabia, yet water is one of the country’s most valuable resources. To address the challenge of limited rainfall, Saudi Arabia has turned to a scientific method known as cloud seeding. This advanced technology has become an important part of the Kingdom’s efforts to secure sustainable water resources for the future. But what exactly is cloud seeding, and how does it work? Let’s explore.
What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to increase rainfall by encouraging clouds to produce more precipitation. Scientists release special substances into the atmosphere—most commonly silver iodide, sodium chloride (table salt), or potassium chloride—to act as “cloud condensation nuclei.”
These particles attract water droplets inside the cloud, causing them to combine and grow heavier. Eventually, the droplets fall as rain.
In simple terms, cloud seeding does not create clouds but enhances existing clouds to increase the chances of rainfall.
How does cloud seeding work?
The process involves a few key steps:
- Identifying suitable clouds: Meteorologists select clouds that already have enough moisture but may not release rain naturally.
- Seeding the clouds: Special aircraft release salt particles or silver iodide into the clouds at the right altitude.
- Formation of rain droplets: The added particles encourage more water droplets to form and combine.
- Rainfall: Once droplets are heavy enough, they fall to the ground as rain.
The success of cloud seeding depends on weather conditions, the type of clouds, and the accuracy of the seeding process.
Cloud seeding in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia launched its official Cloud Seeding Program in 2021, under the supervision of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). This initiative is part of the country’s long-term plan to improve water security and reduce dependence on non-renewable groundwater.
Key points about cloud seeding in the Kingdom:
- The program is implemented in several regions, including Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and parts of the southwestern mountains.
- The main material used in Saudi Arabia is natural salts, making the process safe for the environment.
- The goal is to increase rainfall by up to 20%–30%, which can make a huge difference in water availability.
- The program also supports agriculture, groundwater recharge, and desert greening efforts.
History and development
The idea of weather modification is not new. Experiments with cloud seeding started globally in the 1940s. Countries like the United States, China, and the UAE have used it for decades.
In Saudi Arabia, cloud seeding was first studied in the 1990s, but large-scale operations only began more recently, following Vision 2030’s push for sustainable development.
By 2022, Saudi Arabia had already conducted dozens of successful missions. In fact, the country is now expanding the program nationwide and collaborating with international research centers to further improve techniques.
Recent works and progress
- Saudi Arabia recently carried out its first summer cloud seeding mission over the Riyadh region, marking a major technological milestone.
- The National Center of Meteorology regularly conducts seeding flights during rainy seasons.
- In 2023 and 2024, several regions reported enhanced rainfall after targeted missions.
- The program continues to expand into new areas, including Makkah and Madinah, as part of future plans.
- Cloud seeding also plays a role in reducing the impacts of dust storms and desertification by improving vegetation cover.
Is cloud seeding safe?
Yes. The materials used—mainly salts—are safe and widely approved for weather modification projects worldwide. Studies show that the environmental impact is minimal compared to the benefits of increased rainfall and water security.
Conclusion
Cloud seeding is an exciting example of how science and technology are helping Saudi Arabia overcome natural challenges. By enhancing rainfall, the Kingdom is securing more water for its people, supporting agriculture, and building a more sustainable future.
As the program expands, cloud seeding could become one of the most important tools in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to manage water resources in a desert climate.