Saudi Arabia weather today: Thunderstorms and temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius
Weather conditions in Saudi Arabia: Significant climatic variations
Saudi Arabia experiences continuous weather fluctuations, reflecting the country's vast geographical diversity. The latest report from the National Center of Meteorology and Environmental Protection details significant variations in temperature and weather patterns across different regions. Jeddah recorded the highest temperature at 39 degrees Celsius, while the As-Soudah Mountains experienced a low of 9 degrees Celsius, highlighting the wide climatic differences within the Kingdom.
Table of temperatures and weather phenomena
Here is a detailed statement of the maximum and minimum temperatures, humidity levels, and expected weather phenomena in the cities and governorates of the Kingdom:
| City | Great | The minor | Humidity | weather phenomena |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mecca | 38 | 28 | 45 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| AL Madinah AL Munawwarah | 35 | 24 | 85 | Thunderstorms / Active winds |
| Riyadh | 30 | 19 | 85 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Dammam | 32 | 20 | 60 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| grandmother | 39 | 28 | 80 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Abha | 24 | 15 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Hail | 31 | 19 | 100 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Buraydah | 25 | 20 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Tabuk | 32 | 21 | 95 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| The courtyard | 23 | 15 | 90 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Juniper | 28 | 18 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Sakaka | 29 | 18 | 95 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Jazan | 35 | 29 | 85 | Partly cloudy / Hazy |
| Najran | 33 | 19 | 60 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Taif | 30 | 18 | 60 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Al-Ula | 35 | 23 | 90 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Yanbu | 37 | 27 | 75 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Dawadmi | 31 | 18 | 85 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Al-Kharj | 31 | 19 | 85 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Wadi Al-Dawasir | 34 | 22 | 45 | Thunderstorms / Active winds |
| Sharurah | 37 | 24 | 40 | Partly cloudy/dust haze |
| The complex | 30 | 19 | 75 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| face | 31 | 26 | 80 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Rafha | 28 | 18 | 80 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Al-Qurayyat | 31 | 18 | 85 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Funny | 29 | 16 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Al Qunfudhah | 38 | 28 | 75 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Al-Ahsa | 32 | 20 | 35 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Hafr Al-Batin | 31 | 19 | 80 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Bisha | 35 | 22 | 65 | Thunderstorms / Strong winds |
| Al-Sawda | 19 | 9 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Rawdat Al-Tanhat | 31 | 18 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Al-Dahna desert | 31 | 19 | 90 | Moderate to heavy rain |
| Al-Saman | 31 | 19 | 85 | Moderate to heavy rain |
The historical and climatic context of the Kingdom
Historically, the climate of the Arabian Peninsula has been predominantly arid and desert, but its diverse topography creates unique climatic exceptions. The highlands of Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif benefit from monsoon winds that bring abundant rainfall, historically creating a fertile environment for agriculture and mountain terraces. In contrast, the central and eastern regions, such as Riyadh and Dammam, experience a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with transitional periods of thunderstorms known locally as "Al-Wasam" or "Al-Marawih," which have long been welcomed by the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula as they bring forth vegetation and fill the valleys with water.
Local impact of rainfall and weather fluctuations
Locally, these moderate to heavy thunderstorms affecting regions such as Riyadh, Hail, Tabuk, and Qassim are of paramount importance. They directly contribute to raising groundwater levels and replenishing the dams upon which the Kingdom relies for its water security strategies. They also revitalize vegetation and natural pastures, supporting the livestock sector and domestic tourism. However, these weather phenomena, particularly the strong winds and heavy rainfall, necessitate heightened preparedness from the General Directorate of Civil Defense and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety of citizens and residents from the dangers of flash floods and water accumulation in valleys and low-lying areas.
Regional and international dimensions of climate change
Regionally and internationally, this weather pattern cannot be separated from the broader context of climate change affecting the planet. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, whether in terms of rising temperatures in coastal areas like Jeddah and Mecca, or heavy rainfall in desert regions, reflects shifts in global climate patterns. This underscores the importance of the Kingdom's ambitious environmental initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to plant billions of trees and reduce carbon emissions. These efforts not only improve the quality of life locally but also contribute to international efforts to adapt to climate change and mitigate its long-term negative impacts.
