Saudi Arabia weather: Medina records highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius

Weather conditions and temperatures in Saudi Arabia

Amidst the climate changes the world is witnessing, and the Arab region in particular, citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are eagerly following the daily reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology. The latest report revealed a noticeable variation in maximum temperatures across the Kingdom's cities and provinces, with hot summer weather continuing to prevail in most areas, reflecting the desert climate characteristic of the Arabian Peninsula at this time of year.

Medina tops the list of hottest cities

According to official data released on Thursday, Medina recorded the highest maximum temperature, reaching 44 degrees Celsius. This significant increase necessitates precautionary measures from residents and visitors. In contrast, other cities, particularly in the southwestern highlands such as As-Soudah and Abha, are experiencing more moderate temperatures, making them popular domestic tourist destinations for escaping the intense summer heat.

Statement of maximum temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom

The details of the maximum temperatures recorded by weather monitoring stations in various regions are as follows:

• Medina: 44 degrees Celsius.
• Al-Kharj, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Al-Dahna Desert, Arafat, and Muzdalifah: 43 degrees Celsius.
• Mecca, Riyadh, Sharurah, Mina, and Al-Ahsa: 42 degrees Celsius.
• Buraidah, Dawadmi, Majmaah, Hafr Al-Batin, and As-Saman: 41 degrees Celsius.
• Yanbu and Bisha: 39 degrees Celsius.
• Dammam, Jazan, Najran, and Al-Ula: 38 degrees Celsius.
• Jeddah, Hail, and Al Qunfudhah: 36 degrees Celsius.
• Taif: 34 degrees Celsius.
• Rafha: 32 degrees Celsius.
• Tabuk: 31 degrees Celsius.
• Abha: 30 degrees Celsius.
• Al-Baha, Sakaka, and Al-Wajh: 29 degrees Celsius.
• Arar: 28 degrees Celsius.
• Al Qurayyat: 26 degrees Celsius.
• Tarif: 25 degrees Celsius.
• Al-Sawda: 24 degrees Celsius.

The impact of weather on the holy sites and the Kingdom's efforts

Temperatures in Mecca and the holy sites (Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah) are of great interest locally, regionally, and internationally, given the presence of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah throughout the year. With Mecca recording 42 degrees Celsius and Arafat and Muzdalifah 43 degrees Celsius, the tremendous efforts undertaken by the Saudi Arabian government to mitigate the effects of the heat are evident. These exceptional efforts include deploying thousands of misting fans in the courtyards of the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites, providing ample shaded areas, and distributing chilled Zamzam water free of charge and continuously to ensure the safety and health of visitors and prevent heat exhaustion.

Regional context and health guidelines

These high temperatures come amid a regional context marked by successive heat waves across the Middle East, which meteorologists attribute to global climate change and global warming. These climatic conditions directly impact daily life and the local economy, leading to a significant increase in reliance on air conditioning and cooling, thus driving up electricity consumption.

In this regard, the Saudi Ministry of Health and relevant authorities consistently emphasize the importance of following preventive guidelines for dealing with hot weather. Among the most important of these tips are avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM), wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing, and drinking plenty of fluids and water to prevent dehydration or heatstroke. The National Center of Meteorology also advises following updates and early warnings through its official platforms to ensure everyone's safety.