Analyzing cloud seeding operations using Cloud Water Inertial Probe (CWIP) measurements: A case study from the Regional Cloud Seeding Program in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) initiated a Regional Cloud Seeding Program (RCSP) in 2022 to enhance precipitation over the southwestern and central parts of the country. This study explores the application of the Cloud Water Inertial Probe (CWIP) in RCSP cloud seeding operations. The CWIP is a high-resolution atmospheric sensing instrument deployed on cloud seeding aircraft, delivering 1-second measurements of key microphysical parameters, including liquid water content and three-dimensional wind velocity. These real-time data are essential for adaptive cloud seeding operations, enabling flight crews and ground-based teams to assess evolving cloud environments and make timely, data-informed decisions.

This study focuses on the cloud seeding event conducted by the RCSP on April 29th, 2023, over the southwestern region of KSA. The case analysis focused on characterizing atmospheric conditions during short-duration penetrations of convective clouds. CWIP measurements are used to examine the variability of microphysical and dynamic parameters over short timescales, contributing to a better understanding of cloud structure and evolution in the region. The results highlight the utility of high-frequency in situ observations for capturing the transient nature of cloud processes in arid and semi-arid environments and for assessing the cloud seeding events.