Temperatures in Saudi Arabia: City 41 degrees Celsius and thunderstorms in the south
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced the expected weather conditions for today, with Medina the highest temperature in the Kingdom at 41 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong winds that stirred up dust and sand. This report comes amidst varying weather conditions across different regions, ranging from a noticeable rise in temperatures in some cities to forecasts of thunderstorms in others.
recorded a high of Mecca 38 degrees Celsius, with thunderstorms expected. The capital, Riyadh, both reached Dammam andJeddah 36 degrees Celsius. Jeddah was characterized by high humidity, reaching 85%. In contrast, the southern highlands enjoyed more moderate weather, with Abha 28 degrees Celsius and As- Soudah the lowest temperature at only 22 degrees Celsius, with a continued chance of thunderstorms.
Climate context and weather diversity in Saudi Arabia
This variation in temperatures and weather patterns reflects the diverse climate of Saudi Arabia, which spans a vast geographical area. A hot desert climate prevails in most of the interior and eastern regions, where temperatures rise sharply as summer approaches, often exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in July and August. In contrast, the southwestern highlands, such as the Asir and Al-Baha regions, enjoy a more temperate, cooler, and humid climate in the summer, making them a major domestic tourist destination during the hot summer months.
Expected effects and general guidelines
Weather fluctuations and high temperatures have direct impacts on daily life and infrastructure. On the health front, health authorities emphasize the need to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and to drink sufficient fluids to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion. High temperatures also increase the demand for electricity to power cooling systems, placing additional strain on the power grid. For pilgrims and visitors in Mecca and Medina, authorities are working to provide all possible comforts to alleviate the heat, such as operating misting fans in the courtyards surrounding the Two Holy Mosques. The National Center of Meteorology also advises caution while driving on roads experiencing dust storms and staying away from valleys and floodplains in areas experiencing rainfall.
