By Mohammed Al-Kadoumi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JAZAN — The temperature reached 46 degrees at mid-day in Jazan on Sunday amid scorching sun and dust. Life came to a standstill and the streets were empty of cars and pedestrians.

The hot temperature, the scorching sun and the dust have kept people inside their homes during the day time for fear that they might get sunstroke or become allergic.

The residents go out in the evenings when the heat becomes bearable. They go to the markets for shopping or picnicking in the public parks.

The shopping malls are chilly as they are air-conditioned so many people prefer to go there not only for shopping but also to enjoy some cool temperature.

Many other people go for swimming at the sea. They go on sea voyages to avoid the heat.

On the other hand in the eastern town of Qatif, the private sector companies have amended their work timings to begin after Fajr prayer and end before mid-day.

A number of contractors said in addition to protect their workers from the heat, they were also committed to implement the decision of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development not to work between 12 noon and 3 p.m.

Abdul Rahman Al-Mugbil, director of the ministry's branch in the Eastern Province, said they have inspection teams in all areas to make sure that they were no violations of the ministry's instructions.