The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Saudi Arabia, revealing significant variations in maximum temperatures across different regions. The capital, Riyadh, recorded 14 degrees Celsius, while Dammam, on the Arabian Gulf coast, reached 15 degrees Celsius, clearly indicating the wintry conditions prevailing across large parts of the country. In contrast, western coastal cities like Jeddah and Yanbu maintained their warmer temperatures, recording 32 and 31 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Climatic background: Understanding the geographical diversity of the Kingdom
This wide variation in temperatures reflects the diverse geography and climate of Saudi Arabia. While the northern and central regions experience cold, dry winters, with temperatures dropping significantly and sometimes falling below freezing in cities like Arar and Tarif (which recorded as low as 10°C), the coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf enjoy milder, more humid winters. The southwestern highlands, such as Abha and Al-Baha, experience a cool, temperate climate, making them a year-round tourist destination.
The impact of weather on daily life and various sectors
The impact of these climate changes extends beyond the daily lives of residents, encompassing multiple vital sectors. In colder regions, the demand for heating and energy consumption increases, and farmers are required to take measures to protect their crops from frost. In the tourism sector, this time of year is considered peak season for desert tourism and camping in the central and northern regions, while marine activities continue to attract visitors to the warmer coasts. The National Center of Meteorology plays a pivotal role in supporting these sectors by providing accurate data and early warnings about expected weather phenomena.
List of maximum temperatures in the major cities of the Kingdom:
- Riyadh: 14 degrees Celsius
- Mecca: 33 degrees Celsius
- Medina: 25 degrees Celsius
- Jeddah: 32 degrees Celsius
- Dammam: 15 degrees Celsius
- Al-Ahsa: 15 degrees Celsius
- Abha: 20 degrees Celsius
- Hail: 12 degrees Celsius
- Tabuk: 15 degrees Celsius
- Buraidah: 13 degrees Celsius
- Courtyard: 19 degrees Celsius
- Jazan: 30 degrees Celsius
- Najran: 25 degrees Celsius
- Taif: 23 degrees Celsius
- Arar: 10 degrees Celsius
- Sakaka: 11 degrees Celsius
- Hafar Al-Batin: 12 degrees Celsius
- Yanbu: 31 degrees Celsius
- Al Qunfudhah: 31 degrees Celsius
- Tarif: 10 degrees Celsius
The National Center of Meteorology calls on everyone to follow its continuous updates to learn about the latest weather developments and to take the necessary precautions, especially in areas experiencing a significant drop in temperatures or surface wind activity.
