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Riyadh is projected to face a future characterized by extreme heat and dangerous heat extremes that will intensify, leading to increased health risks and discomfort for its inhabitants. Alongside rising temperatures, the city will experience more frequent heavy precipitation events, resulting in potential flooding and infrastructure stress. Moreover, prolonged drought conditions are anticipated, which could threaten water resources and agricultural practices. These climate hazards highlight the vulnerabilities the city will confront, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures to mitigate health and infrastructural challenges. As Riyadh navigates this climate crisis, it is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of heat events and water management in sustaining its resilience. Without documented solutions to address these challenges, a comprehensive understanding of the risks is crucial to preparing for the impacts of climate change on the city’s livability and sustainability.

Hazard Outlook

How will Riyadh's projected climate hazards compare to other cities under a 3.0°C future warming scenario?

Maximum Temperature

98th percentile Very high exposure

Riyadh's projected maximum temperature of 12.3°C is among the highest of all cities globally under a 3.0°C warming scenario.

Riyadh
5.0 Cooler → Hotter 13

Longest Heatwave

93rd percentile Very high exposure

Riyadh may experience heatwaves lasting up to 10 days, among the highest of all other cities.

Riyadh
0.0 Shorter → Longer 92

Heavy Rainfall Days

96th percentile Very high exposure

With 16 days of heavy rainfall expected, Riyadh ranks among the highest of all cities for extreme precipitation events.

Riyadh
0.0 Fewer → More 36

Maximum Rainfall

2nd percentile Lower exposure

Riyadh's projected maximum rainfall of 3 mm is lower than most cities globally.

Riyadh
0.0 Lower → Higher 35

Elevation

85th percentile Lower exposure

At 623 m elevation, Riyadh faces lower risk from coastal flooding and sea level rise.

Riyadh
-8.0 Lower → Higher 4k

Exposure Summary

Max Temp
Heatwave
Heavy Rain
Max Rain
Elevation

Adaptation Priorities

Riyadh faces high exposure to max temp, heatwave, heavy rain. These areas may warrant priority attention in adaptation planning.

Data source: Climate projections from the IPCC AR6 scenario analysis. See our methodology for details on how we process and interpret this data.

Deployed Solutions

Deployed climate adaptation technologies identified in Riyadh.

No solutions have been documented for Riyadh.

This is an archived snapshot of the database.

Recommended Solutions

Proven solutions from similar cities that could help diversify Riyadh's resilience portfolio