Minimum temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Al-Madinah and Al-Kharj are the highest
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia released its daily temperature report, with Medina and Al-Kharj topping the list of cities experiencing the highest nighttime temperatures. The variation in minimum temperatures across Saudi Arabia reflects the unique geographical and climatic diversity of the Kingdom's different regions, ranging from mild in the highlands to warm to relatively hot in the central, eastern, and coastal areas.
Monitoring minimum temperatures in various regions of Saudi Arabia
According to the report issued by the National Center for Meteorology, the minimum temperatures recorded in various Saudi cities and governorates were as follows:
- Medina: 31 degrees Celsius
- Al-Kharj: 31 degrees Celsius
- Dammam: 30 degrees Celsius
- Riyadh: 30 degrees Celsius
- Jizan: 30 degrees Celsius
- Al-Saman: 30 degrees Celsius
- Al-Ahsa: 30 degrees Celsius
- Mecca: 29 degrees Celsius
- Al-Ula: 29 degrees Celsius
- Buraidah: 28 degrees Celsius
- Hafar Al-Batin: 28 degrees Celsius
- Rawdat Al-Tanhat: 28 degrees Celsius
- Al-Dahna desert: 28 degrees Celsius
- Yanbu: 27 degrees Celsius
- Al-Dawadmi: 27 degrees Celsius
- Wadi Al-Dawasir: 27 degrees Celsius
- Sharurah: 27 degrees Celsius
- Al Qunfudhah: 27 degrees Celsius
- Jeddah: 26 degrees Celsius
- Face: 26 degrees Celsius
- Rafha: 25 degrees Celsius
- Bisha: 25 degrees Celsius
- Hail: 24 degrees Celsius
- Arar: 24 degrees Celsius
- Sakaka: 23 degrees Celsius
- Najran: 23 degrees Celsius
- Taif: 23 degrees Celsius
- Tabuk: 22 degrees Celsius
- Patio: 20 degrees Celsius
- Tarif: 18 degrees Celsius
- Abha: 17 degrees Celsius
- Al Qurayyat: 17 degrees Celsius
- Al-Sawda: 13 degrees Celsius
Climatic and geographical diversity in the Arabian Peninsula
Saudi Arabia is characterized by its vast area, spanning highly diverse terrain, resulting in significant climatic variations throughout the year and even within a single day. Historically, the central and eastern regions, such as Riyadh, Al-Kharj, and Dammam, are known for their arid desert climate, characterized by high temperatures both day and night during the summer. In contrast, the western and southwestern highlands, including Abha, Al-Baha, and As-Soudah, enjoy a temperate to cool climate due to their high altitude. This geographical variation explains the stark difference between As-Soudah, which records a low of only 13°C, and Medina and Al-Kharj, which reach 31°C.
Environmental and economic impacts of temperature fluctuations
Monitoring these daily temperature indicators is not limited to understanding the weather; it directly impacts numerous vital sectors both locally and regionally. Locally, rising minimum temperatures contribute to increased demand for electricity to power cooling and air conditioning systems, placing additional strain on power grids. Furthermore, these conditions affect agricultural activities and domestic tourism, as families and visitors flock to cooler mountain cities like Abha and Taif to enjoy the pleasant weather, thus boosting the local economy in those areas. Health authorities also place great emphasis on raising awareness among citizens and residents about the importance of taking preventative measures to avoid heat stress, particularly in cities experiencing high temperatures both day and night.
