Climate of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an extremely dry and hot nation, with more than three-quarters of it being desert. While its average temperature far outranks normal with almost no precipitation, it still has its few humid spots. On the southern coast, the climate is marked by high temperature and humidity, making the beaches and cities in those areas a notable exception to the dryness otherwise present in the region.
The country experiences an average annual rainfall of only 76 mm (3 in), and most artificial oases are created by using the underground aquifers that lie beneath the vast desert. This lack of rain is made up for by high humidity levels that can make the air seem even thicker and more oppressive when the winds are still.
At its highest, relative humidity levels in Saudi Arabia can reach over 90% in normal conditions, especially during the late morning and early afternoon in the regions close to the Red Sea and Gulf. This extreme humidity is moderated over much of the country by a dry continental air and by coastal winds blowing from the Indian Ocean. In the western part of the country, the temperature can reach 70°F (21°C) at night, and it can reach up to 83°F (29°C) during the day.
In the southern part of the country, where the humidity levels are much higher than in other parts of the nation, temperatures can climb up to 100°F (38°C) in the summers, and they can drop as low as 48°F (9°C) during the winter nights. This same pattern of climate is also found in the areas along the Gulf of Aqaba, around the resort city of Jeddah and along the coast of the Arabian Sea. To the east of the hot and humid areas, the temperatures are slightly more moderate but still very warm.
The desert areas of the country are generally much drier, although the sand dunes can contain small amounts of moisture when temperatures are cooler. Relatively humid air is often cooled overnight in the desert, producing a localized thunderstorm or thundercloud. These localized storms are usually accompanied by high winds that push away the moist air creating localized areas of dryness.
Humidity Variations by Region
With its large size, it is natural for Saudi Arabia to experience significant variations in humidity from one region to another. Generally speaking, the eastern parts of the country have lesser amounts of humidity, with the area around the Rub al Khali being the driest in the country. Regions close to the coastline have higher humidity which lowers as one moves farther away. In the west, the high humidity near the coast decreases slightly but stays at higher levels than in the east and south.
The coastal humidity is caused by the warm air produced by the Indian Ocean and by the low pressure areas that the region experiences from time to time. Humidity levels in the desert are lower, with relative humidity ranging from 20-30%. The low pressure systems created in the northern desert produce a dry-erosion, drought-like air that proceeds south and engulfs large areas of the region.
In contrast, the countries populous central cities such as Riyadh have some of the highest humidity levels in the country. While it is slightly drier near the Red Sea and in the eastern area, the highest relative humidity levels are in and around Riyadh. Here, many people experience the uncomfortable combination of high temperatures and high humidity.
For visitors who are looking to escape the heat and humidity, the mountainous terrain of the region provides an ideal climate. At greater elevations, the air is much cooler and the humidity drops quickly. This cooler air also reduces the impact of the intense desert’s summer heat.
Humid Months
The months between May and September are generally the most humid in Saudi Arabia with the highest relative humidity levels occurring in the month of August, when it can reach 90% or higher. The presence of a low-pressure system at this time contributes to the high humidity, while the winds become weaker and may even turn off completely.
This low-pressure system is stronger during the afternoon and can reach up to 10% of the total air pressure, causing the temperature to rise and the moisture in the air to be pushed into the upper atmosphere, where it condenses and falls as rain. This downpour is not widespread, as rains are very scarce in the country, and affects only a handful of coastal cities.
In stark contrast, the months from October to April are usually much drier. The chilly air of this season is caused by the winds that blow in from the north and east. These cold winds create a continental air mass that moves in across the region and displaces the more humid air. Even in the hottest months, such as July and August, humidity levels usually remain below 50%.
Summary
Saudi Arabia is an extremely dry and hot nation, with more than three-quarters of it being desert. The country experiences an average annual rainfall of only 76 mm (3 in), and most artificial oases are created by using the underground aquifers that lie beneath the vast desert. At its highest, relative humidity levels in Saudi Arabia can reach over 90% in normal conditions, especially during the late morning and early afternoon in the regions close to the Red Sea and Gulf. Generally speaking, the eastern parts of the country have lesser amounts of humidity, with the area around the Rub al Khali being the driest in the country. The months between May and September are generally the most humid in Saudi Arabia with the highest relative humidity levels occurring in the month of August. The months from October to April are usually much drier.
Desiccant Humidity Control
Dry, arid regions receive less than 250MM (10 inches) of yearly precipitation, and usually suffer from chronic water shortages. Over the years, desiccant humidity control systems have been put in place to absorb moisture from the air in order to prevent the area from becoming further arid. Desiccants, such as calcium chloride, sodium chloride, or magnesium chloride, can soak up moisture from the air and reduce the rate at which desertification can occur. In Saudi Arabia, several desiccant plants have been installed to harness the moisture from the air and to reduce the amount of dust kicked up by the winds.
Desiccants also have other beneficial applications, as they can help to reduce the intensity of dust storms and other environmental factors that can result in high levels of air pollution. This allows the air to become clearer, and can offer a wealth of health benefits to the inhabitants of the region. Desiccants can also be used in agricultural settings to reduce the chances of crops being destroyed by molds and mildew. As a result, Saudi Arabia is able to maintain relatively fertile fields and produce enough food to feed its vast population, despite the harsh climate.
Desiccants play a crucial role in unlocking moisture and water resources in some of the driest regions of Saudi Arabia. These materials absorb moisture from the air and prevent desertification from occurring. In addition, they help to reduce emissions from dust storms, and can improve air clarity and health benefits for the region. By decreasing the amount of moisture in the air, desiccants have enabled Saudi Arabia to produce enough food and offer a better living environment for its citizens.
Increasing Temperatures
Climate change is becoming a major concern in Saudi Arabia, as temperatures across the country are gradually rising. As the temperatures increase, so too does the level of humidity, making it even harder for the inhabitants of the region to cope with the rising temperatures. In recent years, extreme weather events have become more common, with blistering summers and the effects of El Nino lasting for longer periods of time.
Research has indicated that during periods of rapidly rising temperatures, the air becomes more saturated with moisture, resulting in higher levels of relative humidity. This can contribute to higher levels of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses in the population. In addition, the higher temperatures and humid air result in increased cooling costs for businesses and homes, which strain the resources of the government and consumers alike.
The government of Saudi Arabia is working to combat the effects of climate change on the nation, but many of the solutions require global collaboration in order to be effective. Technology advancements in renewable energy sources and the implementation of efficient cooling systems are two solutions that can help reduce the amount of water and energy needed to power these systems. This would decrease the amount of energy needed to cool buildings and conserve precious water resources in the region.
Economical Impact
Humidity in Saudi Arabia plays a major role not only from a health and environmental standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint. In the business world, companies are increasingly reliant on air conditioning units in order to remain competitive. This is especially true when competing with other countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, both of which have dry, arid climates where cooling costs are much lower.
Higher humidity levels are also known to increase the risks associated with certain diseases. In the hospitality and tourism industries, the increased humidity levels can lead to an increase in pollution, making customer complaints more common. This has the potential to damage the reputation of the nation, and consequently, its economy as well.
Additionally, humidity levels can have an effect on the inventory and supplies for businesses operating in the country. High humidity levels can damage the quality of products, which in turn could result in a sharp drop in customer satisfaction and ultimately, revenues for the businesses.
Conclusion
Overall, Saudi Arabia is a predominantly dry nation, with some areas being much more humid than others. For most parts of the country, the relative humidity is generally lower than 50%. During the summer months, these levels can rise significantly, in some cases reaching levels of over 90%. The nation is addressing these challenges with initiatives such as desiccant humidity control systems, and technology advancements in energy usage. Humidity in Saudi Arabia can have a major impact on the nation’s economy, and proper monitoring is essential to ensure the health, safety, and economic well-being of the region.
