Understanding Heat Discomfort Trends in Saudi Arabia and Beyond

KAUST researchers have investigated the impacts of rising temperatures and humidity on thermal discomfort in Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions. Surprisingly, despite global warming, the research revealed a decrease in discomfort levels in most Saudi cities over the past two decades. However, cities like Yanbu, Makkah, Medina, and Taif showed significant exceptions, with Makkah's rising discomfort index correlating with heat-related deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage.

This study, using thermal discomfort index (DI) data from 1980 to 2018, provides valuable insights into regional variations and emphasizes the need for tailored infrastructure, urban planning, and healthcare strategies to address heat-related challenges. The findings will support ongoing large-scale projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project.

Prof. Ibrahim Hoteit and the team plan to create an interactive atlas and forecasting system to aid authorities and the public in managing heat stress effectively.

🔗 Read more on KAUST Discovery

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