Dammam 16°C: Minimum temperature statement in Saudi Arabia
Amid the noticeable climatic changes the region is experiencing during this time of year, the National Center for Meteorology revealed in its latest report details of the minimum temperatures recorded Thursday night/Friday morning in various regions and cities of Saudi Arabia. The city of Dammam topped the list with a low of 16 degrees Celsius, reflecting the beginning of a change in weather and a moderation of temperatures in the Eastern Province.
Seasonal shifts and their impact on the Kingdom's weather
Saudi Arabia is characterized by its desert climate, marked by significant temperature variations between day and night. As winter approaches, cold air masses begin to move towards the Arabian Peninsula, leading to a gradual decrease in temperatures. This historical and typical shift at this time of year represents a transition from the hot weather that dominates the long summer months to cooler and more temperate conditions, especially during the nights and early mornings. The northern, central, and eastern regions are among the first to experience this annual climatic change, heralding the arrival of winter, both astronomically and climatologically.
Impact of lower minimum temperatures on vital sectors
The drop in minimum temperatures of great importance and has tangible positive effects on several local and regional levels. Economically and environmentally, this decrease reduces reliance on air conditioning and refrigeration, leading to a significant decrease in electricity consumption and easing the load on power grids. On a social and cultural level, the milder weather presents a golden opportunity for citizens and residents to increase outdoor activities and launch the winter tourism and camping season, locally known as "kashtat," which is an integral part of Saudi heritage. Furthermore, this change plays a vital role in the agricultural sector, as a new planting cycle begins, tailored to winter crops that depend on cooler weather to ensure high-quality and abundant production.
List of recorded temperatures in the cities and governorates of the Kingdom
The official readings recorded by weather stations for minimum temperatures in various cities and governorates were as follows:
- Dammam: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Mecca: 27 degrees Celsius.
- Medina: 23 degrees Celsius.
- Riyadh: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Jeddah: 25 degrees Celsius.
- Abha: 14 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Buraidah: 17 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk: 20 degrees Celsius.
- The patio: 15 degrees Celsius.
- Arar: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Sakaka: 17 degrees Celsius.
- Jazan: 28 degrees Celsius.
- Najran: 20 degrees Celsius.
- Taif: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Ula: 21 degrees Celsius.
- Yanbu: 23 degrees Celsius.
- Dawadmi: 15 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Kharj: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Wadi Al-Dawasir: 21 degrees Celsius.
- Sharurah: 23 degrees Celsius.
- Combined: 14 degrees Celsius.
- Face: 22 degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: 14 degrees Celsius.
- Al Qurayyat: 15 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif: 14 degrees Celsius.
- Al Qunfudhah: 25 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Ahsa: 16 degrees Celsius.
- Hafar Al-Batin: 15 degrees Celsius.
- Bisha: 19 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Sawda: 8 degrees Celsius.
- Rawdat Al-Tanhat: 15 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Dahna desert: 15 degrees Celsius.
- Guarantee: 15 degrees Celsius.
These figures confirm the unique climatic diversity that the Kingdom enjoys, where the atmosphere ranges from the noticeable cold in the mountainous highlands such as Al-Soudah, which recorded 8 degrees Celsius as the coldest area, to moderation in the central and eastern regions, and relative warmth in the western and southern coastal regions.
