Saudi Arabia weather today: High temperatures in Riyadh, Dammam, and Mecca

A heat wave hits major cities in the Kingdom

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, indicating a continued rise in temperatures across most regions as summer approaches. Major cities such as Dammam and Riyadh recorded high temperatures of 41 and 40 degrees Celsius respectively, while Mecca recorded the highest temperature at 42 degrees Celsius, reflecting the hot summer weather that has begun to prevail in the country.

The climatic context of rising temperatures in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate across most of the country, with long, hot, and dry summers and short, mild winters. Temperatures exceeding 40°C are common between May and September. Coastal areas like Dammam and Jeddah experience high humidity, significantly increasing the perceived temperature, while inland regions such as Riyadh and Qassim are hot and dry. In contrast, the southwestern highlands, including the city of Abha, enjoy more moderate weather even in summer, with occasional thunderstorms.

Expected effects and health guidelines

These heat waves have direct impacts on various aspects of daily life. Locally, electricity consumption increases significantly due to the heavy reliance on air conditioning, placing a strain on the national grid. Health authorities, such as the Ministry of Health and Civil Defense, issue regular warnings to citizens and residents, emphasizing the need to take necessary precautions to avoid the risks of heat stress and sunstroke. These guidelines include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing.

Expected temperatures and weather phenomena in the cities of the Kingdom

The weather report indicated that skies would be generally clear across most major cities, with varying weather conditions expected in other areas. While the southwestern highlands, including Abha, Al-Baha, and Najran, are expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by active winds, northern regions such as Tabuk and Arar are expected to be affected by sandstorms that may reduce horizontal visibility. The following are the expected temperatures for today: