JEDDAH: Summer is over, but the heat is not, as many recorded temperatures of 50 degrees celsius on Thursday in Jeddah and strong eastern-northern winds, which led to an increase in temperatures in the region, according to the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME).

A message from Ahmad Al-Bahot from Jeddah Electricity has been circulating around social media since Thursday, with advice to residents and visitors of the city to control their usage of electricity due to increasing heat. He recommended that locals spend as much time as possible indoors.

Al–Bahot informed the public that the temperatures are expected to increase in the coming days, with the added possibility of there being an overload of demand placed on electricity companies. He therefore recommended that residents limit the use of air conditioners to a few social sitting rooms so as to maximize efficiency, thereby reducing the risk of short-circuiting the local electricity network through overuse.

Parents are also concerned about the rising heat as schools are due to commence on Sunday. One parent, Asad Ulah Shamrani, said that the heat wave is a big concern since his kids ride the bus to school, adding that when buses are jam-packed with students, it can make it difficult for the buses air-conditioners to work properly.

“I think it’s better for the Education ministry to postpone the schools until the weather cools down a bit,” he added.

According to PME on Saturday, the forecast will be partly cloudy in the southwest, western and northwestern regions of the Kingdom, and will be mild in the southwest heights, with a chance of rain in Asir, Baha, Jazan, Makkah and Madinah.

The weather will be very hot in the eastern, central and northern parts of the kingdom, and also over Medina and Tabuk regions including coastal parts. Fresh winds will cause rising dust, and will reduce visibility in Makkah and coastal areas. High humidity will also be a factor for consideration in the approaching days.