Temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Mecca and Al-Ahsa record the highest rates
The National Center for Meteorology revealed in its latest report a significant variation in temperatures across Saudi Arabia, as different regions of the Kingdom are affected by ongoing climatic changes. In its statement regarding the maximum temperatures recorded on Monday, Makkah and Al-Ahsa Governorate topped the list, registering the highest temperatures, reflecting the unique geographical and climatic characteristics of the Arabian Peninsula during this time of year.
Temperature map of Saudi Arabia and its geographical distribution
Official readings showed significant variations between cities and provinces, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in Mecca and Al-Ahsa, as well as the holy sites of Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah. In contrast, Medina recorded 44 degrees Celsius, followed by Buraidah, Wadi Al-Dawasir, the Ad-Dahna and As-Saman deserts, and Rawdat At-Tanhat, all at 43 degrees Celsius. The capital, Riyadh, Al-Majma'ah, Al-Kharj, and Yanbu recorded 42 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures in other cities, such as Dawadmi and Sharurah, reached 41 degrees Celsius, while Hafr al-Batin recorded 40 degrees. Dammam, Al-Ula, and Bisha recorded 39 degrees Celsius, Hail 38 degrees, Najran and Al-Qunfudhah 37 degrees, Jeddah and Taif 36 degrees, Jazan 35 degrees, and Rafha 34 degrees. In cooler areas, Tabuk and Sakaka recorded 33 degrees, Al-Baha and Arar 32 degrees, Abha, Al-Wajh, and Al-Qurayyat 30 degrees, and Tarif 29 degrees. As-Soudah was the coldest, recording only 24 degrees Celsius.
Climate change and weather patterns in the Arabian Peninsula
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula is known for its harsh desert climate, with temperatures soaring during the summer months, particularly in the central, eastern, and western regions. This temperature variation is not a recent phenomenon but rather part of a natural climatic cycle that the region's inhabitants have been accustomed to for centuries. Topography plays a crucial role in this distribution; the high mountainous areas of the southwest, such as As-Soudah and Abha, enjoy moderate temperatures even at the height of summer, while the low-lying and coastal regions experience significantly higher temperatures. Understanding this historical and geographical context helps explain the considerable variations we observe today between cities within the same country.
Economic and social dimensions of weather fluctuations
These temperature readings are of paramount importance, extending far beyond simply knowing the daily weather. Locally, these high temperatures directly impact vital sectors such as energy consumption, leading to increased demand for cooling. They also affect working hours in the construction and agricultural sectors, as workers are required to be protected from heat stress. Regionally and internationally, monitoring these changes is of utmost importance, especially with the annual influx of millions of Muslims to Mecca and the holy sites. Therefore, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom are giving utmost attention to providing a safe and well-conditioned environment for the pilgrims. Furthermore, this accurate data contributes to enriching global climate databases, aiding researchers in studying global warming and climate change, which casts its shadow over the entire world.
In conclusion, this detailed report reflects the tireless efforts of the National Center for Meteorology in monitoring and observing the weather situation with extreme accuracy, which contributes to raising the level of community awareness and taking the necessary preventive measures to deal with the various climatic conditions that the Kingdom is witnessing.
