Saudis sliding down a slope on snow (glissading) in Tabuk, in Saudi Arabia.

Weather Changing in Saudi Arabia

Jan 12, 2023

Home > Society > Weather Changing in Saudi Arabia

Saudis sliding down a slope on snow (glissading) in Tabuk, in Saudi Arabia.

Saudis sliding down a slope on snow (glissading) in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Arab News)

Every year, I see pictures of snow falling in Saudi Arabia and I have to remind myself of the size of the country and its geographical variety and weather.

This month, in the west of Saudi Arabia where I have lived, we were excited for temperatures falling to 17°C with heavy rainfall causing huge traffic chaos, closing offices and schools going online (before the coronavirus pandemic, these days would have been free school days). Unfortunately, there were also floods. This is a situation that is almost daily in Manchester. Under Saudi Arabia’s rain rules, school children in Manchester would have life-long online school.

Many features are associated with Saudi Arabia, one of which is desert weather. Two-thirds of the country is made up of the Empty Quarter and AlNafoud, which is the size of France. As a country, Saudi Arabia is almost as big as western Europe and has a varied topography, resulting in weather that varies significantly from one region to another.

The weather typically associated with Saudi Arabia is hot, dry desert conditions with high temperatures in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter.

However, this is not the case everywhere. In the west of Saudi Arabia, along the coastline of the Red Sea in Makkah and Jeddah, the climate is temperate and humid (more humid than in the rest of Saudi Arabia) for most of the year. I have lived there and nothing has changed much despite climate change, which feels like it has not affected this region. We experience rain from November to March, which could be catastrophic.

Similar to the weather in the western region, the weather in the eastern region – Damam, Alkhobar – along the Persian Gulf Coast – is temperate and humid, with temperatures reaching over 40°C (104°F) in the summer months and high humidity, with dew points often above 25°C (77°F).

The central and southern regions of Saudi Arabia experience extreme weather, with hot and dry summers reaching over 50°C (122°F) and extremely cold winters down to 5°C. These areas receive very little rainfall, and the humidity is usually low.

On the other hand, the mountain regions of Saudi Arabia have ideal weather, with cooler and more temperate conditions throughout the year. Temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F) in the winter months to 20-30°C (68-86°F) in the summer months. These areas also receive more rainfall compared to the rest of the country, with the heaviest rain occurring in the winter months.

In the past, people in Saudi Arabia would move around the country according to the season. However, this movement was limited to major cities, mainly Jeddah and Riyadh, because the facilities in these regions were the best. Despite the cooler weather in Abha, in the southern region, few of us would want to go there. It was less developed and, to put it mildly, boring.

Today, all of this has changed. The many festivals, entertainment seasons, and various events happening all year long in almost every region of the country are giving people opportunities to enjoy themselves despite the weather. Being out in the air is a feeling of freedom and enjoyment.

#WeatherInSaudiArabia #ClimateChange #SaudiArabia #DesertWeather #SeasonalWeatherSaudiArabia

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Suggested Articles

Women moving forward in the Gulf

Women moving forward in the Gulf

I came across this article by Sinem Cengiz, on the journey of Gulf women in breaking into traditionally male-dominated sectors unfolds. From gradual progress to persistent challenges, she explores the current landscape, shedding light on the crucial role played by government initiatives in promoting their successful inclusion.

A science initiative for the next generation

A science initiative for the next generation

A new center for science and technology called ‘ilmi’ will be launched in Saudi Arabia to encourage scientific curiosity among youth as well as develop their skills, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. This center is a great start, and other initiatives like this are needed to shape Saudi Arabia’s future.

Unveiling Saudi Women’s Abilities: Driving Gender Equality

Unveiling Saudi Women’s Abilities: Driving Gender Equality

Saudi Arabia’s first space mission is scheduled to launch on May 21, with Saudi Arabia’s first ever astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, and Ali al-Qarni on board. Rayyanah is the latest in series of Saudi development process for women. In recent years, Saudi women have been making great strides in the country’s workforce.

Smartphone Craze: Socializing Takes Back Seat

Smartphone Craze: Socializing Takes Back Seat

This cartoon in Saudi daily alyuam newspaper, illustrates that now in society, no one is willing to let go of their IPhone, no matter the occasion. It is a sad and concerning phenomenon where people seem to forget the ones next to them, and instead of warm...

Kabsa: The Dish at the Heart of Saudi Cuisine

Kabsa: The Dish at the Heart of Saudi Cuisine

Step beyond oil and desert to uncover Kabsa. Much like the UK’s love for Fish and Chips, Kabsa holds a dear place in the hearts of Saudis. Explore the origins of this dish, its connection to Spanish Paella, and its role in Saudi Arabia’s gastronomic heritage.

Integrity Boost: New Rules for Saudi Transparency

Integrity Boost: New Rules for Saudi Transparency

This month, as part of its modernization efforts, Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued new customs rules for travellers carrying cash, gold, and jewels into the Kingdom. These updated regulations are an important part of the country’s transformative economic strategy, which includes a series of bold reforms aimed at creating a stable and prosperous future for the Saudi society.

Jeddah: A Gateway to Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A Gateway to Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Numerous boats from Sudan continue to arrive at the port of Jeddah, which has long served as the entrance to Saudi Arabia for people from all over the world who have come to settle in the country. As a Jeddawi, I will take my readers on a journey to explore the rich history and cultural tapestry that has made Jeddah a symbol of tolerance, where diverse cultures coexist harmoniously.

Saudi Women Soldiers’ Bravery in Sudan Aid

Saudi Women Soldiers’ Bravery in Sudan Aid

This photograph depicts a female Saudi soldier carrying a child during the Saudi relief mission in Sudan. The accomplishments of the Saudi troops, who helped rescue 2232 individuals from 67 different countries, were widely covered by international media.

Saudi Film Industry: From being banned to boom

Saudi Film Industry: From being banned to boom

Did you know that Saudi Arabia’s film industry is on a mission to become a major player in the Vision 2030 plan? It’s fascinating, considering the industry was banned for 35 years until its revival in 2018. And, if that’s not enough, over 26% of its workforce is now female. Explore this post to learn more about the exciting transformation of Saudi Arabia’s film industry and its path to success.