Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) has said that it is not responsible for the suspension of schools during unstable weather conditions. PME President Abdulaziz Al-Jasser said the presidency is responsible for weather forecasts and issuing alerts. "We do not have the authority to suspend schools. When the presidency broadcasts weather forecasts, it must not be taken as an announcement of school suspension. People must wait for the Ministry of Education's decision," said Al-Jasser. Education Directorate of each region takes its own decision whether to suspend classes or not, he said. Al-Jasser said the presidency first sends a notification of the forecast 12 hours in advance. It then sends an initial warning six hours in advance. It then sends another warning three hours in advance. Finally, the presidency sends the final warning an hour in advance. "The presidency is the official authority responsible for issuing weather reports and forecasts. The general public should follow the forecasts regularly and take them seriously," said Al-Jasser. People should not depend on word of mouth and should not spread rumors, he said, advising them to check the presidency's website themselves. "The members of the presidency are all experts in the field of meteorology. We offer internationally accredited reports with high accuracy. We have an electronic system which immediately broadcasts all notifications and announcements by the presidency," said Al-Jasser.
