Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province braces for 50C heatwave

Residents across Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province are bracing for a severe heatwave, with the National Meteorological Center forecasting temperatures to soar to 49-50 degrees Celsius in several cities and provinces. The warning, effective until 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, covers major areas including Dammam, Alkhobar, and Al-Jubail.

Authorities are urging the public to take preventative measures. These include avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, staying well-hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing, and minimizing strenuous outdoor activities. For many in the Eastern Province, these near-50-degree Celsius temperatures are a familiar challenge, necessitating significant changes to their daily lives.

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The heat is incredible. You feel it the moment you step outside. Even walking from the parking lot to the office is exhausting, so I try to finish anything outdoors before 10 a.m.

Daily routines are being reshaped around the intense heat. Many residents now schedule errands for the early morning or late evening, avoiding the peak midday sun. Public spaces like parks and beaches are largely deserted during the hottest hours. "The heat is incredible," said Ahmed Al-Qahtani, a Dammam resident. "You feel it the moment you step outside. Even walking from the parking lot to the office is exhausting, so I try to finish anything outdoors before 10 a.m."

Families are altering their summer habits. Fatimah Al-Otaibi, an Alkhobar resident, shared that her family now avoids going out until after sunset. "We have completely changed our routines," she said. "The children stay indoors during the day, and we only go out in the evening when it becomes more comfortable. Even then, it still feels very hot."

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We have completely changed our routines. The children stay indoors during the day, and we only go out in the evening when it becomes more comfortable. Even then, it still feels very hot.