Saudi Arabia weather: Heat wave with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, revealing a heat wave affecting most regions of the Kingdom, with Dammam recording a high of 43 degrees Celsius. This rise is part of the prevailing weather pattern during this time of year, characterized by significantly higher temperatures, particularly in the eastern and central regions.

The climatic context of rising temperatures in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate across most of its vast territory, resulting in extremely hot and dry summers. Temperatures exceeding 40°C are common between May and September. The Kingdom is influenced by hot, dry air masses originating from the surrounding deserts, which contribute to temperatures sometimes reaching record highs. Topography plays a significant role in this variation, with the southwestern highlands, such as Abha and Al-Baha, enjoying a more temperate climate, as clearly demonstrated in this report.

Expected effects and health guidelines

These heat waves have direct impacts on various aspects of daily life and public health. Health authorities warn citizens and residents of the dangers of direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion. The demand for electricity also increases significantly to power air conditioners, putting pressure on the national grid. Economically, sectors such as construction are affected, with working hours being adjusted to protect workers from the extreme weather conditions.

Details of maximum temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom:

According to the National Center for Meteorology report, the maximum temperatures recorded in the most prominent cities and governorates were as follows:

• 44 degrees Celsius: Al-Ahsa, Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Al-Dahna Desert, Al-Saman.
• 43 degrees Celsius: Dammam, Al-Kharj, Arafat, Muzdalifah.
• 42 degrees Celsius: Mecca, Hafr Al-Batin, Mina.
• 41 degrees Celsius: Riyadh, Medina, Buraidah, Al-Ula, Wadi Al-Dawasir.
• 40 degrees Celsius: Sharurah, Rafha.
• 38 degrees Celsius: Jazan, Dawadmi, Al Majmaah.
• 37 degrees Celsius: Bisha.
• 36 degrees Celsius: Jeddah, Arar, Yanbu.
• 35 degrees Celsius: Hail, Tabuk, Sakaka, Najran, Al Qurayyat, Al Qunfudhah.
• 33 degrees Celsius: Taif.
• 31 degrees Celsius: Face, funny.
• 28 degrees Celsius: Abha.
• 27 degrees Celsius: The courtyard.
• 21 degrees Celsius: Al-Sawda.

The National Center for Meteorology continues to closely monitor the weather situation and issues the necessary warnings when needed, calling on everyone to take precautions and follow the guidelines to ensure their safety.