Saudi Arabia weather today: Mecca 32 degrees Celsius, Al Qurayyat 1 degree Celsius
Saudi Arabia experienced a stark contrast in weather on Monday, reflecting the country's diverse geography. The National Center for Meteorology reported a significant temperature difference of up to 29 degrees Celsius between two different regions at the same time. While Mecca enjoyed warm summer weather, the northern regions experienced near-freezing temperatures.
Geographical and climatic diversity in the Kingdom
This significant temperature variation is a tangible testament to the vast geographical expanse of the Kingdom, which spans nearly two million square kilometers, resulting in a diverse range of climatic patterns. While the northern regions are influenced by cold air masses originating from the eastern Mediterranean and Europe, the western coastal areas, particularly the Makkah region and the Red Sea coast, maintain their warmth thanks to their geographical location and low elevation, making the Kingdom a distinctive winter tourist destination for those seeking warmth.
Temperature details: between warm and frosty
According to data from the National Center for Meteorology, Mecca recorded the highest temperature at 32 degrees Celsius, followed by Jeddah and Jazan at 31 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for pilgrims and visitors. In contrast, winter gripped the north, with Al-Qurayyat recording the lowest temperature at just 1 degree Celsius.
The report showed a noticeable gradual decrease in cold in other areas, with minimum temperatures as follows:
- Tabuk: 2 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif, Arar and Al-Soudah: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Sakaka: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Riyadh, Qassim, Dawadmi, and Rafha: 6 degrees Celsius.
Weather phenomena: fog and rain
The weather forecast wasn't limited to temperature fluctuations; the center also warned of a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility due to dense fog covering large parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and the Northern Borders region, especially during the early morning hours. This phenomenon is common at this time of year due to high surface humidity and the cooling of air near the Earth's surface.
In the southwestern highlands, forecasts predict the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds that may moderate the weather, while the Red Sea is experiencing turbulence in its southern part towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with waves reaching up to two meters high, which calls for caution on the part of fishermen and seafarers.
Public safety recommendations
Due to these weather fluctuations, experts advise drivers on highways in foggy areas to use fog lights and reduce their speed. Residents of northern and central regions are also advised to wear warm winter clothing, especially children and the elderly, to avoid catching colds due to the significant drop in nighttime temperatures.
