Temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Medina records 44 degrees Celsius
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report detailing temperatures across Saudi Arabia, noting significant variations between the Kingdom's cities and provinces. According to the official report released today, Thursday, Medina recorded the highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius, while Dammam in the Eastern Province recorded 38 degrees Celsius. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions and dust-raising winds that may affect horizontal visibility in some areas.
The nature of the summer climate and typical weather patterns
The Arabian Peninsula is generally characterized by its arid desert climate and extreme heat during the summer. The high temperatures currently being experienced are a natural extension of the region's historical climatic patterns. At this time of year, the Kingdom is affected by the extension of the Indian monsoon low, which brings hot, dry air masses, leading to a significant rise in temperatures, particularly in the interior and western regions. The Kingdom's diverse geography plays a major role in this variation, as the high mountainous regions, such as Abha, Al-Baha, and As-Soudah, maintain relatively moderate temperatures compared to the plains and desert areas, reflecting the country's unique climatic diversity.
The impact of temperatures in Saudi Arabia on holy sites and society
The impact of these climate changes is not limited to environmental aspects alone, but extends to daily life and the economy. The fact that Mecca recorded 42 degrees Celsius, and Arafat and Muzdalifah 43 degrees Celsius, underscores the critical importance of early preparations undertaken by relevant authorities to serve the pilgrims. The government's tremendous efforts to moderate the atmosphere within the holy sites through advanced cooling technologies and water misting are particularly noteworthy, as they aim to mitigate heat stress. Locally, this rise in temperatures is expected to lead to an increase in electricity consumption due to the heavy reliance on air conditioning. These conditions also prompt health authorities to issue ongoing guidelines for citizens and residents, emphasizing the need to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours to protect public health.
List of maximum temperatures in the cities and governorates of the Kingdom
The National Center of Meteorology's report included a detailed statement showing the maximum temperatures recorded in various regions, which were 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, Al-Ahsa, and Mina: 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.
This comprehensive report reflects the significant variation in weather, emphasizing the importance of following weather forecasts daily to take necessary precautions, whether for travelers between cities or for residents of areas experiencing severe weather fluctuations.
