American Bedu

Still Raining
Current mood: cold
Category: Travel and Places

Prior to arrving in Saudi, Abdullah told me repeatedly how rarely it rains and how happy and excited people are in the Kingdom when it rains.  In fact when a Saudi travels outside of the Kingdom, it is very typically for them to ask others “how much rain do you receive in your country?”  So on my arrival in the Kingdom, I expected a vast, dry and brown land.  However to my surprise (and pretty much to the surprise of everyone else as well) it has been raining every day now for the past two weeks…yes, you read me correctly, I said two weeks and still counting.  We’ve had not only rain as in just light drops falling but we have also had a few torrential downpours too.  Not to be outdone, there have also been several thunderstorms complete with the rumbling thunder and its vibrations and the bolts of lightening.  The rain has also made the temperature fall considerably.  At night it has been to near freezing and even during the daylight hours there is a distinct and noticeable chill in the air.  Saudi homes are not equipped with furnaces or central heating.  Families typically use electric space heaters to take the damp chill out of the air.  Regardless of how long it rains it is unlikely you would ever hear anyone in the Kingdom complaining of the rain or saying enough is enough.  The rain is a rare and precious commodity.  In fact, with this influx of rain and in spite of the cooler temperatures, more green is starting to emerge and the flowers that have been planted are in bloom look brighter and more lush.  No one has yet explained this unusual period of rain but that is likely because everyone is still in the phase of enjoying it.I guess my question is with this influx of rain that has not yet stopped, does that mean there is a weather shift in store for the region?  Is this a prelude to a very cold and damp winter?  As the temperatures continue to fall, would the rain change into snow?It’s funny….I received a lovely email from my son in North Carolina who is enjoying balmy sunny weather and still having outdoor BBQ’s while here we sit bundled up in warm clothes and huddled around the heater in the heart of Riyadh!

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