Exceptional efforts are underway to monitor the weather in the holy sites during the Hajj season
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia continues its intensive efforts to monitor high temperatures in Mecca and the Holy Sites. This proactive measure coincides with official warnings regarding the intense heat wave affecting the region, which is expected to subside tomorrow evening. These measures are part of the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to ensure the safety of pilgrims and provide them with a healthy and secure environment during Hajj.
Historical context and climate challenges in Hajj
Historically, the Hajj pilgrimage represents one of the largest human gatherings in the world. Since the Islamic calendar is based on lunar months, the timing of the Hajj shifts between different seasons. In recent years, the Hajj has coincided with the summer months, which see peak temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula. This climatic challenge has prompted the relevant authorities in the Kingdom to develop an advanced meteorological infrastructure. Managing crowds under harsh weather conditions has become a globally recognized model for crisis and disaster management and public health protection.
21 field monitoring stations to ensure data accuracy
To ensure the highest standards of accuracy, the National Center for Meteorology relies on 21 field weather stations for monitoring and tracking. These stations are strategically distributed throughout the Holy Sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat) according to the most precise meteorological standards adopted internationally by the World Meteorological Organization. These advanced stations monitor various weather elements, such as temperature, humidity levels, and wind speed, on an hourly basis. This precise monitoring contributes to providing immediate and reliable data that supports the work of relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Health and Civil Defense, facilitating the development and adjustment of their operational plans based on the latest field developments.
Strategic importance and expected impact
Locally, this meticulous monitoring helps alleviate the burden on the healthcare sector by reducing cases of heat exhaustion and sunstroke among pilgrims and enabling more efficient deployment of ambulance teams. Regionally and internationally, these transparent and advanced procedures send a reassuring message to millions of Muslims worldwide and to countries sending Hajj delegations, affirming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ability to protect pilgrims and provide them with the highest level of care, regardless of climatic challenges.
Awareness programs and joint coordination
In this context, the official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani, explained that the center continues to monitor the weather situation directly and continuously. He emphasized the strengthening of coordination and effective communication with all relevant sectors, in accordance with the operational plans in place during the Hajj season, to ensure a rapid response and immediate handling of any emerging weather conditions.
Al-Qahtani noted that the center has also intensified its joint awareness programs in cooperation with relevant authorities. These programs aim to raise awareness among pilgrims about preventive measures related to high temperatures, such as using sun umbrellas, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours. He concluded by emphasizing the center's complete readiness and the preparedness of its qualified technical staff to monitor weather conditions around the clock and provide continuous information and updates to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and safety.
