Climate professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad revealed that the moderate temperatures during the past spring led to a slow accumulation of the thermal units necessary for date ripening, causing a delay in fruit ripening compared to several previous seasons.

Al-Misnad explained that the effect of heat on dates begins before the palm fruiting stage and extends through the stages of flowering, fruit set, coloring, ripening, and quality, noting that the required heat sum varies by variety, ranging approximately between 1600 and 2500 accumulated heat degrees (degree-days).

He stated that temperatures between 32 and 38 degrees Celsius are most suitable for palm growth, while the palm can tolerate temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and can also tolerate temperatures dropping below -10 degrees Celsius for limited periods.

Al-Misnad emphasized that the abundance of heat, dry weather, and sunlight throughout most of the year have made vast areas of Saudi Arabia an ideal environment for producing the finest types of dates in the world.