Al-Ahsa recorded the highest temperature in Saudi Arabia at 45 degrees Celsius

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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced that Al-Ahsa Governorate recorded the highest temperature in the Kingdom on Wednesday, reaching 45 degrees Celsius. This significant rise in temperatures signals the beginning of the intense summer season, which is typical of the Eastern Province and large parts of the country.

Typical weather pattern and the beginning of a wider heat wave

These high temperatures are not unusual for this time of year in Saudi Arabia, which has a harsh desert climate. As summer approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in July and August and often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in some inland and desert areas. Al-Ahsa, the world's largest palm oasis, is among the areas most affected by the extreme heat due to its relatively low elevation and location in the heart of the desert.

Expected effects and preventive measures

This rise in temperatures has direct repercussions on the daily lives of residents and vital sectors. On the health front, health authorities, such as the Ministry of Health, are issuing continuous warnings to citizens and residents to take necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion, including drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). The increased reliance on air conditioning is also leading to a significant rise in electricity consumption, placing a strain on the national grid. Regionally, these heat waves exacerbate desertification and further deplete already scarce water resources, a major challenge facing the Kingdom and the Gulf states within the context of global climate change, which is intensifying and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.

List of maximum temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom:

According to a statement from the National Center for Meteorology, the maximum temperatures recorded in a number of cities and governorates were as follows: