Temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Hot weather and warnings as summer approaches

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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, revealing the maximum temperatures recorded on Monday in various cities and provinces across the Kingdom. Dammam in the Eastern Province recorded 38 degrees Celsius, while Medina reached 41 degrees, indicating the start of a heat wave as summer officially approaches.

The Kingdom's climatic context with the onset of summer

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate across most of its regions, resulting in significant temperature variations between seasons, as well as between day and night. Summer, which extends from June to August, is the hottest season, with temperatures often exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in the interior and eastern regions. The current gradual rise in temperatures is a natural indicator of the transition towards the peak of the hot season. Coastal areas such as Dammam and Jeddah are affected not only by the heat but also by high humidity, which exacerbates the feeling of intense heat, while inland areas like Riyadh and Qassim experience a hot, dry summer. In contrast, the southwestern highlands, such as Abha and Al-Baha, enjoy a more temperate climate, reflected in the relatively lower temperatures recorded in the report.

Expected effects and preventive measures

This rise in temperatures has direct impacts on various aspects of life. On the health front, relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Health and Civil Defense, issue regular warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to take precautions, avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM), and drink plenty of fluids to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion. The increased pressure on infrastructure, particularly electricity grids, due to the intensive use of air conditioning, also leads to higher water consumption. Economically, commercial and construction activities are adapting to these conditions, adjusting working hours for outdoor workers to protect them from health risks. Regarding the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the government is giving special attention to ensuring the comfort of pilgrims and visitors during the high temperatures by providing advanced cooling systems in the Two Holy Mosques and their surrounding areas.