Jeddah tops the list... Details of today's temperatures in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology released its latest weather report, highlighting the varying temperatures across Saudi Arabia on Monday. Jeddah recorded the highest temperature at 48 degrees Celsius, while Dammam reached 36 degrees Celsius, reflecting the significant climatic diversity experienced by different regions of the Kingdom during this time of year.
Temperature map of Saudi Arabia: A unique climate variation
The official list shows a significant variation in the maximum temperatures recorded in different cities and governorates, and is as follows:
- Jeddah: 48 degrees Celsius.
- Mecca and the holy sites (Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah): 47 degrees Celsius.
- Yanbu: 46 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Ula: 42 degrees Celsius.
- Medina: 41 degrees Celsius.
- Wadi Al-Dawasir and Sharurah: 40 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk, Arar, Hafr Al-Batin, and Rafha: 39 degrees Celsius.
- Buraidah, Sakaka, Najran, Al Wajh, Al Dahna Desert, and Al Samman: 38 degrees Celsius.
- Hail, Al Qurayyat, Al Ahsa, and Rawdat Al Tanhat: 37 degrees Celsius.
- Riyadh, Dammam, Dawadmi, Al Kharj and Al Qunfudhah: 36 degrees Celsius.
- Jazan, Al Majma’ah, and Bisha: 35 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif: 34 degrees Celsius.
- Taif: 33 degrees Celsius.
- Abha and Al-Baha: 29 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Sawda: 23 degrees Celsius.
Climate changes across decades in the Arabian Peninsula
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been known for its arid, hot desert climate during the summer, which explains the naturally high annual temperatures. Over the decades, coastal cities like Jeddah and Yanbu have experienced high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity, due to their location on the Red Sea coast. In contrast, inland areas like the capital, Riyadh, have a very arid continental climate. Interestingly, the southwestern mountainous regions, such as Abha, Al-Baha, and As-Soudah, have historically served as summer retreats for residents thanks to their moderate temperatures, which rarely exceed the 30s Celsius. As-Soudah, for example, recorded a low of only 23 degrees Celsius, highlighting the Kingdom's remarkable geographical and climatic diversity.
Economic and environmental repercussions of rising temperatures
This temperature variation and rise has multiple dimensions and impacts at the local and regional levels. Locally, temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius in some western cities lead to a significant increase in electricity consumption to meet air conditioning and cooling needs. This harsh climate also prompts authorities to implement strict regulations to protect workers from heat stress, such as banning work in direct sunlight during peak summer hours.
On the other hand, this climatic situation is reflected positively on the domestic tourism sector, as citizens and residents turn their attention to the southern highlands, which are experiencing a major economic boom during the summer season thanks to their cool weather and stunning natural scenery.
At both the regional and international levels, these readings come amidst growing global concern about climate change and global warming. The accurate data issued by the National Center of Meteorology is a vital resource for environmental organizations studying climatic patterns in the Middle East region, reinforcing the importance of major environmental initiatives adopted by the Kingdom, such as the "Saudi Green Initiative," which aims to plant billions of trees to reduce temperatures and carbon emissions in the future, and improve the quality of life for future generations.
