Extreme hot weather will hit the Kingdom next week with temperatures crossing 50 degrees Celsius in some cities.
Abdul Aziz Al-Hussaini, a climate researcher, attributed the rise in temperature next week to the transit of the star Gemini. “This period will have the hottest days of the year. The period is called 'Tabbakh Al-Tamr' because this is when the dates ripen,” he said while speaking to Al-Watan Arabic daily.
Spelling out the distinct features of the period from July 15 to Aug. 15, he said it will have the longest nights and shortest days. Temperatures accompanied by dusty winds may reach 48 degrees Celsius in some areas.
In the coastal areas of the Eastern Province where sea winds will soften the heat with temperature will hit 42 degrees Celsius, Al-Hussaini said. At the same time, temperatures in areas between the east coast and Riyadh province will reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius.
He said Riyadh, Qassim and Al-Kharj will have temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius, Hafr Al-Batin and Ahsa will have close to 50 degrees Celsius while Al-Jouf region will have 46-47 degrees Celsius. In the rest of the cities, the temperature will hover around 40-45 degrees Celsius, he explained.
Al-Hussaini cautioned the public against going out during day hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. “People have to take necessary precautions if they go out during this period, have to drink more water and should not expose children to the sun.
He advised the public to keep away from crowded places where temperature goes up, endangering people's health.
SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE
