Al-Ahsa is the hottest region in Saudi Arabia... A severe heat wave hits the Kingdom

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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a detailed statement regarding the maximum temperatures recorded on Saturday, revealing a severe heat wave affecting large areas of the country. Al-Ahsa Governorate topped the list of hottest cities, along with three other regions, reaching temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius, reflecting the harsh weather conditions experienced in the Eastern Province and other parts of the Kingdom during the summer.

According to the center's report, the four regions that recorded 48 degrees Celsius were Al-Ahsa, Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Ad-Dahna Desert, and As-Summan. Dammam followed closely behind with a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius, confirming that the Eastern Province is the epicenter of this heat wave. Other major cities also experienced significant temperature increases, with Riyadh and Medina both recording 43 degrees Celsius, while Mecca and the holy sites (Mina and Muzdalifah) reached 41 degrees Celsius, and Arafat reached 42 degrees Celsius, posing a considerable challenge, especially with the influx of pilgrims.

The climatic context of rising temperatures in the Kingdom

This significant rise in temperatures is within the natural climatic context of Saudi Arabia, which is characterized by a hot and arid desert climate across most of its regions. The summer season, extending from June to August, represents the peak of the annual heatwave. The Kingdom is affected by hot air masses originating from the Indian subcontinent and thermal lows centered over the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in record-breaking temperatures that often exceed 45 degrees Celsius, particularly in inland and desert areas such as the Empty Quarter and the Ad-Dahna Desert. Globally, experts indicate that climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves, making such extreme temperatures more likely in the future.

Expected effects and preventive measures

This heat wave has direct impacts on various aspects of life. On the health front, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases, prompting continuous warnings from health authorities and civil defense, who advise citizens and residents to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), drink plenty of fluids, and monitor the health of the elderly and children. Economically, the high temperatures lead to a massive increase in electricity consumption to operate air conditioners, placing significant strain on the power grid. Sectors such as construction and agriculture are also affected, with working hours being adjusted to protect outdoor workers. As this heat wave coincides with the Hajj season, Saudi authorities are raising their level of preparedness to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims by providing all necessary resources, including cooling facilities, water points, and mobile medical services to handle any emergencies.

The following is a list of temperatures recorded in some other cities: