The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced its daily report on Thursday regarding the maximum temperatures recorded in various cities and governorates across the Kingdom. The data revealed a significant climatic variation reflecting the country's vast geographical diversity. The city of Dammam in the Eastern Province recorded 17 degrees Celsius, while other regions experienced either a noticeable decrease or a relative increase in temperatures.
Details of maximum temperatures in Saudi cities
According to official data from the center, Mecca was the warmest city, recording 34 degrees Celsius, while the northern and central regions experienced colder temperatures, resembling winter weather. A detailed breakdown of the maximum temperatures is provided below:
- Western and coastal region: Makkah recorded 34 degrees Celsius, Jeddah 33 degrees Celsius, Yanbu 32 degrees Celsius, and Al Qunfudhah 31 degrees Celsius, indicating moderate to relatively hot weather compared to the rest of the regions.
- Central Region and Riyadh: The capital Riyadh recorded 14 degrees Celsius, Al-Kharj 15 degrees Celsius, Al-Majma’ah 12 degrees Celsius, Al-Dawadmi 14 degrees Celsius, and Wadi Al-Dawasir 16 degrees Celsius.
- Eastern Province: Dammam recorded 17 degrees Celsius, Al-Ahsa 16 degrees Celsius, and Hafr Al-Batin 14 degrees Celsius.
- Northern regions (coldest): Arar, Rafha, Tarif, Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Al-Dahna desert and Al-Saman recorded only 12 degrees Celsius, Sakaka and Al-Qurayyat 14 degrees Celsius, and Tabuk 21 degrees Celsius.
- Southern and southwestern highlands: Abha recorded 20 degrees Celsius, Al-Baha 19 degrees Celsius, Najran 20 degrees Celsius, Jazan 30 degrees Celsius, and Taif 24 degrees Celsius.
Climatic and geographical diversity in the Kingdom
This report reflects the unique climatic diversity of Saudi Arabia. While the western coastal regions enjoy warm weather due to the influence of the Red Sea and their lower elevation, the central and northern regions experience a sharp drop in temperatures as a result of their continental desert nature and the influence of cold air masses from the north. This significant difference, exceeding 20 degrees Celsius between Mecca (34 degrees) and Tarif (12 degrees), highlights the continental nature of the Saudi climate during winter.
The importance of the National Center for Meteorology's reports
These daily reports are of paramount importance to citizens and residents, as they help in planning daily activities and choosing appropriate clothing, especially for schoolchildren and employees in areas experiencing cold spells. Farmers in the northern and central regions also rely on this data to protect their crops from potential frost. The National Center of Meteorology is the official body authorized to issue weather alerts and warnings, contributing to enhanced public safety on highways connecting cities with varying weather conditions.
