Whether you are moving overseas or over a few cities away, it can be difficult to adjust to a new climate. Most of us are not under any illusions about the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia and know that living in a desert climate means dealing regularly with some of the most extreme heat temperatures that the sun can deliver. As in other countries that cover as much land as Saudi Arabia does, different regions may provide a respite from the worst onslaughts. It’s doubtful you will immediately love everything about your new city or region. Especially if it is drastically different from your old home.
In case you didn’t know, acclimatization is the process where you become physically adjusted to the temperature of your environment and it normally takes around two weeks. There’s no happiness when you are attacked by the rays of the sun and all you can think about are the cool evenings.
How to cope and adapt to extreme heat?
It’s no secret that Saudi Arabia is a hot country, the heat can be excruciating and that’s no surprise as the kingdom is near the equator, almost entirely a desert, and very rarely ever rains. The weather is totally predictable, in the summer it’s hot and sunny every day and in the winter, it’s warm and sunny every day.
Take your time to adjust to a new climate
Do not expect to get used to it right away, whether you are moving somewhere hot or cold. Give yourself some time to get used to the weather conditions so you can find out how to deal with it and adjust to the new change.
For example, what do you need to carry around with you at all times to ensure your comfort, like water, sunscreen, an umbrella, gloves… Whether you can continue with your exercise routine outdoors or if it is simply too hot to bear. How long can you stay out in the sun without feeling terrible or when are the best times to go outside. These are things you will learn over time.
Ask your realtor the right questions
Your realtor should have experience with selling and renting homes in your new area. They should be prepared to provide information about owning a house in the area. That is what type of potentially damaging weather will you possibly have to deal with? Are the houses you are looking at equipped to handle the weather? Will the paint and wallpaper peel? Will the walls crack? Will the basement flood? Will you need special insurance or maintenance for weather specific damage? Your realtor should be informed about these issues so they can advise you on important weather related issues while house hunting.
Don’t forget to ask about the air conditioning, as all kinds of AC systems exist – central, split, window, wall, portable, and more.
Find out what approach works best for your new home, and don’t wait to get it installed. Especially if you plan to move during the summer heat. In order to cut down on potentially high cost electricity bills, use your home’s natural ventilation, you can do that by opening windows during the night.
Stay hydrated
The key to surviving the hot weather starts with keeping a properly hydrated body. A key point in ensuring that you stay safe and cool so you need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
As Dr. Nasruldeen Al-Shareef said “The average adult needs to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day under moderate weather conditions. In the summer when it gets hot, the amount of fluids should be increased to 2.5 liters per day. The best beverage is pure water, but fresh fruit juices can also be used”.
Dehydration can occur even when you do not feel thirsty and this can cause several health problems. Water will keep maintaining your body temperature and blood circulation so you are less prone to fatigue or a heat stroke. Adults and children need to get into the habit of carrying a water bottle wherever they go. Due to air conditioning being available everywhere we go, we rarely feel thirsty and therefore do not feel the urge to drink water.
Have food and drinks that lower the body temperature (Snack on fresh juicy fruits)
Water isn’t the only source of hydration, chrysanthemum tea, coconut water, for example, are drinks that lower your body temperature while fruits and vegetables high in water content such as watermelon, cucumbers, celery, strawberries, cantaloupe, pomegranate and so many other rich produce help decrease dehydration not to mention the number of vitamins and minerals that will help with your skin, breath and curb those cravings that you might get in the middle of the night.
You can make this a fun activity and experiment by cutting up some fresh fruit and freeze it as if ice cubes, or have a smoothie, cut some veggies and dip it in a healthy yogurt or dressing, make popsicles at home infused with fresh fruit and fruit juice, have a salad with mixed greens, slices of chicken and some feta or parmesan cheese. You can never go wrong with a colorful salad and so much more.
Don’t forget to use sunscreen
Run your errands either in the early morning hours or late in the afternoon to steer clear from the peak hours of the sun as the temperatures can be too high for comfort and even cause harm to your cars. Make sure you are using sunscreen every time you step out of the house. The sun can have a very negative impact on your skin, causing premature aging, skin discoloration, cancer and other types of skin damage.
If you must stay outdoors for a while, be sure to find a shade to hide and relax under it for a while before continuing on with your day. Never leave your home without putting SPF 30 or higher, be sure to find UVA/UVB protection on the labels for added protection.
Get opinions from the locals
In case you know some local people, their tips could be very useful to help you adjust to a new climate. Talk to friends, coworkers, or family that live there or have lived there in the past. Experienced residents can offer tips for dealing with any extreme or unpleasant weather common to that particular area.
Everyone in Saudi works around the heat. So here are some tips on what you should do to beat the heat from the locals:
Air conditioning
You go from your air conditioned house to your air conditioned car to your air conditioned office, you simply won’t find a place that doesn’t have AC. You never have to walk more than a minute or so from your car to the entrance of your destination in KSA.
There is definitely no shortage of fully functional air conditioning facilities within the country. Many people may find that they spend more time in its company than in a decidedly more natural state, and can commute from home to work or anywhere with only the smallest intervals of time spent under the mercy of the sun’s heat.
Become a Night Owl
People don’t go out during the heat of the day, but they do go out at night. It is not uncommon for kids or people to take a nap after school and work in the afternoons then go out in the evenings after the sun has gone down.
Your non-business or non-essential activities should be scheduled at times other than mid-day. Like other countries that experience heat, while not prone to Saudi Arabia’s blazing summer temperatures, still experience their share of heat, much of the social life and activity is planned after dusk. Children’s playtimes will take place in the early evenings rather than in the afternoon, and you can expect shopping centers to also keep late working hours catering to the heliophobic.
If you do plan on going out during the day, stay indoors in an air-conditioned place, malls, shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants or cafes even if it was just for a little while, it’ll be enough to cool down your body before heading out. But like we said evenings are usually the best choice to head out in the city.
Stay away from dark colors
The hot weather usually calls for fun under the sun, heading out to the beach and feeling the cool sand under our feet, but spending hours under the sun makes our body temperature rise, so you can either take a dip in a pool or sea or take a cold shower. Dark colors, especially black absorbs more heat, so if you want to stay as comfortable as possible outdoors try to wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing and hats. It is easier to have cotton and linen clothes on because the texture helps sweat evaporate and not block them as synthetic materials and fabrics do.
Also, this is perhaps one of the most effective ways of staying cool, jump into a shower after you have outdoors to help cool down.
With these simple tips, you can prepare for any weather changes in the next chapter of your life and also how to adjust to a new climate.
Remember to apply this advice to make your adjustment more comfortable. So try to have a safe and comfortable move that can be enjoyed by the entire family by just adding a few tips and tricks here and there. And remember, water is your best friend.
For the latest news in KSA and more advice, make sure to follow us on our social media pages below and keep up to date with all the latest happenings on Bayut KSA blog.
