Bahrain's Climate: Exploring The Temperate Zone

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. The country's climate is arid, with a hot summer and a mild winter. The summer months are very hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 40°C (104°F) and often reaching 46°C (114.8°F). The winter months, from November to March, are much cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

The country's terrain is mostly desert, with only 2.82% of the land being arable. The main island, Bahrain Island, accounts for about 78% of the country's land area and is surrounded by smaller islands. The landscape consists of low-lying hills, rocky cliffs, and wadis, with a narrow strip of fertile land along the northern coast where date, almond, fig, and pomegranate trees grow.

So, is Bahrain in the temperate zone?

Bahrain's climate

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. The country's climate is arid, with two distinct seasons: an extremely hot summer and a relatively mild winter.

During the summer months, from April to October, afternoon temperatures average 40°C (104°F) and can reach 46°C (114.8°F) during May, June, and July. The combination of intense heat and high humidity makes this season uncomfortable. In addition, a hot, dry southwest wind, known locally as the qaws, periodically blows sand clouds across the barren southern end of Bahrain toward Manama in the summer.

Temperatures moderate during the winter months, from November to March, when the range is between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F). However, humidity often rises above 90% in the winter. From December to March, prevailing winds from the northwest, known as the shamal, bring damp air over the islands.

Bahrain receives little precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of 72 millimetres (2.8 inches), usually confined to the winter months. Rainfall is minimal and irregular, mostly occurring in winter, with an average of 70.8 millimetres or 2.8 inches of rainfall recorded annually. The country experienced widespread flooding in April 2024 after heavy rainfall affected the Gulf region.

The country's natural resources

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of more than 30 islands, with the Bahrain Island being the largest land mass, accounting for about 80% of the total area. The country's natural resources include large quantities of oil and natural gas, fertile land, and fish in the offshore waters.

Bahrain was the first country in the region to discover crude oil in 1932, and refinery operations began in 1936. At the end of 2012, its proven reserves of crude oil were estimated to be 120 million barrels, which contribute to 0.01% of the world oil reserves. The country's natural gas reserves were estimated to be approximately 92 billion cubic meters, contributing to 0.05% of the world reserves. The oil sector is Bahrain's main source of income, with the production of Bahraini crude oil reaching 198 thousand barrels per day in 2013.

Apart from fossil fuels, Bahrain also relies on other natural resources such as arable land and minerals like aluminum. The country has a rich history in agriculture, with close to 25 square miles of Bahraini territory dedicated to farming during the colonial period. However, after gaining independence, the area devoted to agriculture reduced significantly to about 6 square miles. Despite the decrease in arable land, Bahrain has always tried to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural and livestock production. According to 2008 statistics, the country had an estimated self-sufficiency rate of more than 96% in dates, 90% in fish, 21% in white meat, 43% in eggs, 41% in milk and dairy products, 19% in vegetables, and 85% in green fodder.

Bahrain is also known for its fishing industry and is historically famous for its pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world until the 19th century. The country's territorial waters are home to more than 200 species of fish, and fishing has been an essential economic activity for many Bahrainis.

In addition to its natural resources, Bahrain has a diverse economy with a strong focus on the financial, commercial services, and communications sectors. The country has also developed a post-oil economy, investing in the banking and tourism sectors, attracting many of the world's largest financial institutions to its capital, Manama.

The impact of climate change

Bahrain is an archipelago of more than 36 islands, with a total land size of about 767 square kilometres. The country's climate is classified as "dry" according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system. It is characterised by high rates of evaporation and a shortage of freshwater input, with only 3 cubic meters of renewable groundwater per capita, compared to a world average of 6,000. As such, Bahrain is highly water-stressed and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The effects of climate change on Bahrain can be observed across three mediums: the coastal, terrestrial, and human. Rising sea temperatures, sea acidification, coral bleaching, shoreline erosion, and degraded coastal fisheries are some of the impacts on the coastal medium. In the terrestrial medium, seawater intrusion into freshwater aquifers is a significant concern. For the human medium, the consequences include the relocation of coastal communities, loss of habitat in urban zones, and damage to infrastructure.

One of the main environmental challenges posed by climate change is sea level rise (SLR). Based on assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Bahrain's qualitative assessment of the SLR risks predicts a loss of between 27% and 56% of the kingdom's area by 2100. This poses a significant threat to the country's densely populated coastal zones, with potential impacts on both the environment and human communities.

Climate change has also impacted Bahrain's municipal water management system, with increasing temperatures leading to higher costs and exacerbating water management challenges. The country's high carbon dioxide emissions per person, primarily due to its small size, further contribute to the overall impact on the climate.

To address these challenges, Bahrain has implemented various mitigation measures. These include strengthening coastal monitoring programs, integrating enhanced environmental safeguards, and raising awareness among policymakers and the public about the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the kingdom has focused on rehabilitating mangroves, establishing conservation zones for coral reefs, and afforestation initiatives.

The country's environmental concerns

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in the Persian Gulf, comprising a small archipelago of more than 36 islands, shoals, and small islets. The country's terrestrial landscape is dominated by a desert environment, except for a narrow fertile strip along its northern and northwestern coastlines. Bahrain's economy is heavily reliant on oil and natural gas, which contribute to 85% of its revenue. However, the country has been facing environmental challenges due to its limited freshwater resources and the degradation of arable land. Here are some of the key environmental concerns in Bahrain:

• Water scarcity and groundwater depletion: Bahrain has limited freshwater resources, with only 3 cubic meters of renewable groundwater per capita, compared to a world average of 6,000 cubic meters. The increasing population and high consumption patterns have led to the depletion of groundwater sources.
• Desertification: Degradation of limited arable land, droughts, and dust storms are significant issues in Bahrain. The expansion of land reclamation and coastal development activities has impacted the country's fragile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangrove swamps.
• Coastal degradation: Oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations have damaged Bahrain's coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation. The country's marine environment is also characterised by high evaporation rates and a shortage of freshwater input.
• Pollution: Bahrain faces challenges in managing industrial and domestic waste. The disposal of industrial and hazardous waste is a pronounced environmental problem. While domestic waste is currently landfilled, the country is exploring waste separation, recycling, and incineration methods.
• Climate change: Bahrain is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and sea levels. The country has ratified international agreements, such as the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, to address these challenges.
• Biodiversity loss: Bahrain's biodiversity is under threat due to habitat destruction and pollution. While the country has designated protected areas for wildlife, including the Al-Areen Wildlife Park and the Ras Sanad Mangrove Reserve, more efforts are needed to conserve its flora and fauna.
• Overfishing and fisheries management: Bahrain's fisheries have been impacted by increased fishing efforts and indiscriminate land reclamation. The country has implemented artificial reef development programs and sustainable fisheries management practices to address these issues.

The country's seasons

The seasons in Bahrain are dominated by a desert climate, with a hot summer and a mild winter. The country experiences a humid subtropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures coinciding in the summer months, from April to October. During this time, temperatures can reach 46°C (114.8°F), with afternoon averages of 40°C (104°F). The combination of heat and humidity makes this season particularly uncomfortable.

In contrast, the winter months, from November to March, offer a pleasant respite from the heat. During this period, temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). However, the humidity often rises above 90%, and brief but torrential downpours can cause flooding in the shallow wadis.

Bahrain's geographical location in the Persian Gulf also influences its climate. The country experiences periodic droughts and dust storms, with the shamal, a damp northwesterly wind, and the qaws, a hot and dry south wind, contributing to these weather phenomena.

The summer season in Bahrain is characterised by extremely high temperatures and humidity, while the winter brings milder temperatures and higher humidity, with occasional rainfall.

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