As the first day of Eid al-Adha approaches, millions of citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as pilgrims performing Hajj, are awaiting weather forecasts to ensure safe and comfortable celebrations. In this context, the National Center of Meteorology has issued its detailed statement regarding expected temperatures and prevailing weather phenomena across the Kingdom for Wednesday, which coincides with the first day of Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Adha: Context and Significance
Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world celebrate it to commemorate the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command. The holiday coincides annually with the Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims perform the rituals in Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites. Because the date of Eid al-Adha varies according to the Gregorian calendar, it often falls during the hot summer months in the Kingdom, making weather forecasts crucial for both pilgrims and those celebrating the occasion.
Climatic conditions in the Kingdom and their impact
Saudi Arabia is characterized by a dry desert climate across most of its regions, with extremely high temperatures during the summer. This year, forecasts indicate continued hot weather in many major cities, necessitating special precautions. These weather conditions directly impact daily activities and family celebrations, and are of paramount importance to pilgrims who spend the Eid holidays performing rituals under direct sunlight.
Temperature forecast for the first days of Eid
According to a statement from the National Center of Meteorology, high temperatures are expected in several Saudi cities. In Dammam, temperatures will reach 45 degrees Celsius, while the capital, Riyadh, will reach 43 degrees Celsius. The holy cities of Mecca and Medina will experience highs of 44 and 43 degrees Celsius, respectively. These figures underscore the need for caution and taking necessary precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
The following table provides full details of the weather forecast for various Saudi cities on Wednesday, the first day of Eid al-Adha:
Expected temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom
| City | Great | The minor | Humidity | weather phenomena |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mecca | 44 | 31 | 50 | Sober |
| AL Madinah AL Munawwarah | 43 | 31 | 20 | Clear to partly cloudy |
| Riyadh | 43 | 27 | 20 | Dust particles |
| Dammam | 45 | 28 | 55 | Active winds |
| grandmother | 36 | 26 | 75 | Active winds |
| Abha | 31 | 18 | 55 | Thunderstorms with rain / Active winds |
| Hail | 40 | 25 | 20 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Buraydah | 44 | 28 | 20 | Active winds / Dust storms |
| Tabuk | 35 | 20 | 50 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| The courtyard | 30 | 19 | 45 | Thunderstorms with rain / Active winds |
| Juniper | 38 | 21 | 30 | Partly cloudy / Dusty |
| Sakaka | 39 | 22 | 25 | Partly cloudy / Dusty |
| Jazan | 35 | 29 | 85 | Thunderstorms / Active winds |
| Najran | 37 | 23 | 25 | Partly cloudy/dust haze |
| Taif | 36 | 21 | 35 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Al-Ula | 41 | 27 | 25 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Yanbu | 41 | 26 | 75 | Active winds / Dust storms |
| Dawadmi | 42 | 26 | 20 | Active winds / Dust storms |
| Al-Kharj | 44 | 26 | 20 | Dust particles |
| Wadi Al-Dawasir | 43 | 28 | 20 | Partly cloudy/dust haze |
| Sharurah | 41 | 27 | 30 | Partly cloudy/dust haze |
| The complex | 42 | 26 | 20 | Active winds / Dust storms |
| face | 29 | 22 | 80 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Rafha | 41 | 25 | 20 | Partly cloudy / Dusty |
| The village | 36 | 18 | 45 | Partly cloudy / Dusty |
| Funny | 36 | 18 | 35 | Partly cloudy / brisk winds |
| Al Qunfudhah | 35 | 28 | 85 | Partly cloudy / Hazy |
| Al-Ahsa | 46 | 29 | 25 | Dust particles |
| Hafr Al-Batin | 45 | 27 | 20 | Active winds / Dust storms |
| Bisha | 38 | 24 | 20 | Dust particles |
| Al-Sawda | 25 | 12 | 55 | Thunderstorms with rain / Active winds |
| Rawdat Al-Tanhat | 44 | 28 | 20 | Dust particles |
| Al-Dahna desert | 44 | 28 | 20 | Dust particles |
| Al-Saman | 44 | 28 | 20 | Dust particles |
| Arafat | 44 | 31 | 50 | Sober |
| Mona | 44 | 31 | 50 | Sober |
| Muzdalifah | 44 | 31 | 50 | Sober |
Weather effects on celebrations and pilgrims
The high temperatures expected during Eid al-Adha have multiple impacts. Locally, they may limit outdoor activities during peak hours, prompting families to seek air-conditioned spaces or plan gatherings for cooler times. Regionally and internationally, these forecasts are crucial for pilgrims performing Hajj. Mecca and the holy sites receive millions of visitors, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Therefore, Saudi authorities, represented by the Ministry of Health and Hajj agencies, are working diligently to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, including providing water, shaded areas, and continuously raising awareness about the importance of drinking fluids and avoiding direct sun exposure whenever possible.
Tips for dealing with hot weather
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Eid al-Adha, everyone, especially pilgrims, the elderly, and children, is advised to follow these guidelines: drink plenty of water and fluids regularly; avoid prolonged direct sun exposure; use umbrellas; wear light, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing; and seek air-conditioned or shaded areas whenever possible. It is also preferable to postpone strenuous outdoor activities until early morning or late evening.
These forecasts underscore the importance of advance planning and awareness of weather conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone during this great religious occasion.
