ALKHOBAR: Residents across Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province were urged to take precautions on Thursday after the National Center for Meteorology warned of an intense heatwave expected to push temperatures to between 49 C and 50 C in several cities and governorates.
According to the center, the extreme heat is affecting Dammam, Dhahran, Alkhobar, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Al-Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Buqayq, Al-Uyaynah, Al-Ahsa and Al-Hajjer. The warning remains in effect until 5 p.m.
The alert comes as much of the Kingdom experiences peak summer temperatures, prompting authorities to urge the public to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
Officials also advised residents to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.
For many people living in the Eastern Province, temperatures approaching 50 C have become an annual reality, requiring significant adjustments to their daily routines.
Many residents said they now schedule errands early in the morning or after sunset, limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon when temperatures peak.
“The heat is on another level,” said Ahmed Al-Qahtani, a resident of Dammam. “You can feel it the moment you step outside. Even walking from the parking lot to the office feels exhausting, so I try to finish anything outdoors before 10 a.m.”
Others said the intense heat has changed how families spend their summer days, with parks, beaches and other outdoor spaces largely empty during daylight hours.
Fatimah Al-Otaibi, who lives in Alkhobar, said that her family avoided going outside until after sunset.
“We’ve completely changed our routine,” she said. “The kids stay indoors during the day, and we only go out in the evening when the weather becomes more bearable. Even then, it still feels extremely hot.”
Businesses that rely on outdoor work also face additional challenges during periods of extreme heat. Construction companies and other employers typically adjust working hours in line with Saudi Arabia’s summer midday outdoor work ban, which is designed to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
Authorities advise anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, a rapid heartbeat or loss of consciousness to seek immediate medical attention.
Meteorologists expect high temperatures to persist across much of the Eastern Province throughout the summer. Residents are encouraged to monitor official weather updates and follow guidance issued by the relevant authorities.
The National Center for Meteorology regularly issues weather alerts through its official platforms to help residents prepare for severe weather conditions and reduce health risks associated with extreme temperatures.
