Saudi Arabia warns of a hot Hajj this year with temperatures reaching 48 degrees C

Image credit: SPA

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a forecast for this year’s Hajj season, predicting extremely hot weather at the holy sites.

Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 45 degrees C and 48 degrees C, accompanied by strong surface winds that may cause dust and sandstorms, particularly in open areas and along highways.

At a press conference in Makkah, Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, CEO of the NCM, highlighted that while the likelihood of rain is low, there is a possibility of thunderclouds forming over the highlands of Taif, potentially affecting the holy sites. Humidity levels could also exceed 60 per cent.

To ensure safety and preparedness, the NCM has implemented a comprehensive plan to monitor weather conditions around the clock across the holy sites, airports, ports, and main roads.

The centrre said it has conducted coordination meetings, workshops, and training sessions, including a recent session titled “The Climate Impact of this year’s Hajj,” which saw participation from over 44 relevant parties.

Preparedeness for Hajj

An exercise was conducted to enhance readiness, review severe weather phenomena, and test reporting mechanisms to ensure efficient information dissemination during Hajj.

Mobile radar systems have been deployed to monitor the skies over the holy sites and the Grand Mosque, along with mobile stations to observe upper atmospheric layers and provide satellite imagery for potential weather events.

A media production center has been established in Mina to offer services to pilgrims, including those with special needs. Daily weather bulletins and messages will be broadcast across 12 media channels to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

Contributions from the Regional Climate Change Center, the Sand and Dust Storm Warning Regional Center, and the Regional Cloud Seeding Program will be integral in providing relevant weather information.

Abdulaziz Al-Harbi, the general supervisor of Hajj affairs, noted that this year’s Hajj is expected to see higher-than-normal surface temperatures in Makkah and Madinah, with above-average rainfall at the holy sites.

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