The Arabian Desert can get surprisingly cold at night, with temperatures often dropping significantly after sunset. In many areas, nighttime temperatures can fall to around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) or even lower during the winter months. In some places, it can drop to near freezing, especially in higher elevations.
This drastic temperature change is due to several factors. During the day, the desert absorbs a lot of heat from the sun, leading to scorching temperatures that can exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer. However, once the sun sets, the lack of cloud cover and moisture means that heat quickly dissipates into the atmosphere. Without the protective blanket of clouds, the heat escapes, leading to steep drops in temperature.
This phenomenon is common in desert environments, where the balance between day and night temperatures can be quite extreme. Travelers and inhabitants of the desert should be prepared for chilly nights, especially if they plan to camp or stay outdoors.