Weather in Eastern Province

Overview

Al Minţaqah ash Sharqīyah, or the Eastern Province, is the largest province of Saudi Arabia, located predominantly in the eastern part of the country. This region is known for its diverse weather patterns which significantly influence its natural landscape, lifestyle, and economic activities.

Geographical Location

Al Minţaqah ash Sharqīyah is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the east, the United Arab Emirates to the northeast, Qatar to the north, and the provinces of Najran, Jizan, Asir, Al Bahah, and Makkah to the west. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is to the west of the Eastern Province.

Climate

The Eastern Province experiences an arid climate, characterized by high temperature during summer and mild temperature in winter. The climate can be further classified into two main seasons: a hot summer which lasts from April to September, and a cool winter from October to March.

Temperature

On average, the temperatures in the Eastern Province range from 20°C (68°F) to 36°C (97°F) throughout the year. During the summer months, temperatures can soar up to 50°C (122°F), while in the winter months, temperatures can fall as low as 10°C (50°F).

Humidity

The Eastern Province experiences high humidity due to its proximity to the Persian Gulf. The relative humidity typically ranges from 25% in the hot summer months, with a peak of up to 90% in the cooler winter months.

Annual Rainfall

Being an arid region, the Eastern Province sees low annual rainfall. The average annual rainfall is approximately 80 mm, with most of the rain falling during the cooler months of the year.

Wind

The Eastern Province experiences a predominantly north-westerly wind, known as the 'Shamal'. These winds are particularly strong during the summer months, sometimes resulting in sandstorms.

Weather Impact on Lifestyle and Economy

The weather and climate in the Eastern Province significantly influence its lifestyle and economy. The hot and arid climate is conducive to certain economic activities such as oil production. The province is known for its vast oil reserves and is home to the largest oil field in the world, Ghawar Field.

Despite the harsh climate, the Eastern Province boasts a thriving culture and lifestyle. The warm weather allows for outdoor activities such as camel racing, falconry, and desert camping, particularly during the cooler months. The high humidity levels near the coast have also led to the growth of industries such as pearl diving and fishing.

Climate Change

Like many other regions around the world, the Eastern Province is affected by climate change. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns pose challenges to water availability and agriculture. However, the Saudi government is implementing measures to mitigate these effects and promote sustainability.

Conclusion

Al Minţaqah ash Sharqīyah's climate is a unique blend of high temperatures, low rainfall, and high humidity levels. This distinctive climate has shaped the province's natural landscape, lifestyle, and economic activities. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, the Eastern Province continues to thrive and adapt to its changing environment.