Saudi Meteorology: Sun's perpendicularity does not cause an exceptional rise in temperature
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has settled the debate surrounding the connection between the phenomenon of the sun's perpendicular alignment and the occurrence of severe heat waves or exceptionally high temperatures. The center confirmed that this phenomenon is a natural astronomical event that occurs annually and is commonplace in several geographical regions within the tropics, and it does not, in any way, signify record-breaking or unprecedented temperature variations from the announced normal averages.
The fact that the sun's perpendicularity is related to temperatures
In this context, the official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani, explained that temperatures on Earth's surface are affected by a complex system of interconnected weather and climate factors, and do not depend solely on the angle of the sun's rays. These influencing factors include humidity levels, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and the nature of the air masses (hot or cold, dry or humid) passing through the region. Al-Qahtani pointed out that the phenomenon of the sun's perpendicularity is astronomically known and occurs periodically every year. It is observed and monitored by specialists as a normal natural phenomenon and does not raise any climatic concerns.
The historical and astronomical context of the phenomenon of perpendicularity
Historically and astronomically, the phenomenon of the sun's perpendicularity occurs due to the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees, causing the sun to appear to move between the Tropic of Cancer in the north and the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. One of the most famous examples of this phenomenon, both locally and within the Islamic world, is the sun's perpendicularity to the Kaaba in Mecca, which occurs twice a year. Early Muslims utilized this precise astronomical phenomenon to geographically determine the direction of the Qibla (the direction of prayer) for distant regions. At the time of the noon prayer (Dhuhr), the Kaaba's shadow disappears completely, and the direction of the sun at that precise moment indicates the exact direction of the Qibla from any location in the world that can see the sun at that time.
The importance of the event and its local and regional impact
The clarifications issued by the National Center for Meteorology are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels, especially in light of the global climate changes affecting our planet, which have made the public more sensitive and engaged with weather and climate news. Locally, these clarifications help to curb the spread of rumors and misinformation on social media, which could incite unwarranted panic among citizens regarding imaginary heat waves. Regionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in the field of meteorology, possessing a comprehensive system of surface observation stations, remote sensing technologies, radars, and advanced numerical models.
The center concluded its statement by emphasizing the importance of obtaining climate and weather information from official and reliable sources. It called on all members of the community and the media to follow the alerts, warnings, and periodic updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology through its official channels, to ensure access to accurate and reliable data that contributes to maintaining public safety and supports sound decision-making across various vital sectors.
