For locals,
April is a month to brace for the impending summer heat. The temperature spirals upwards, breaching new highs of up to 38.7°C (101.7°F). It is a daunting transition for those not used to such intense temperatures. The daylight hours start to definitively outpace the night, necessitating more indoor respite during the afternoon hours. Despite the heat, the low rainfall and relative humidity render the environment pleasant under the shade.
Temperature
The arrival of April in
Mecca,
Saudi Arabia, signals a slight increase in the average high-temperature, moving from a tropical 34.9°C (94.8°F) in
March to a sweltering 38.7°C (101.7°F). Mecca logs a notable disparity from the daily highs during April, as the nighttime temperature lowers to an average of 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Heat index
April's mean heat index is estimated at a burning hot 47°C (116.6°F).
Eyes open: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are expected. Prolonged exertion could lead to heatstroke.
Thinking about the heat index, one should account for its values in shaded areas with gentle breezes. Under direct sunshine, the heat index values might be elevated by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'feels like' or 'felt air temperature', is an aggregate value of air's warmth and moisture to show the human-felt temperature. The influence of weather can be personal, changing with an individual's body mass, height, and level of physical exertion. Always consider that direct sunlight exposure might heighten the heat's effects, pushing the heat index up by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are particularly relevant to children. Kids generally face higher risks than adults as they sweat less. Along with their large skin surface compared to their small bodies and higher heat production due to their activities, their vulnerability is increased.
The human body cools itself through perspiration, as excessive warmth is removed from the body through sweat evaporation. When the air holds a significant amount of moisture, the efficiency of the evaporation process is decreased, preventing the body from cooling down efficiently, leading to the sensation of overheating. As the body accumulates more heat than it can release, body temperature goes up, increasing the risk of heat-related health issues.
Humidity
In April, the average relative humidity in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is 43%.
Rainfall
In Mecca, in April, during 1.8 rainfall days, 10mm (0.39") of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 22.4 rainfall days, and 112mm (4.41") of precipitation is accumulated.
Daylight
The average length of the day in April is 12h and 39min.
On the first day of April in Mecca, sunrise is at 06:13 and sunset at 18:35. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 05:49 and sunset at 18:45 +03.
Sunshine
The average sunshine in April in Mecca is 9.4h.
UV index
March through
September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Mecca. A UV Index reading of 11, and higher, represents an extreme health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: In April, a regular UV index of 12 translates into these guidelines:
Practice every essential safety step. People with fair skin could receive burns in fewer than 5 minutes. Avoid exposure to the Sun and try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most potent, but be aware that parasols or canopies may not offer full protection. A wide-brimmed hat provides unparalleled sun protection for sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, and neck. Even if it's cloudy, generously apply and frequently reapply a sunscreen with no less than a 30 sun protection factor after each swim or outdoor exercise.