Weather conditions in Mecca during Hajj and the holy sites: Meteorological forecast
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced details of the weather forecast for Mecca and the holy sites during Hajj this year. This important announcement was made by the center's CEO, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, who revealed the precise weather predictions to ensure the safety of pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals in safe and stable weather conditions.
The strategic importance of weather monitoring during the Hajj season
These early preparations are of paramount importance both locally and internationally, as millions of pilgrims from around the world flock to Saudi Arabia. Historically, the Kingdom's government has given exceptional attention to crowd management and providing the highest levels of healthcare and security for pilgrims. With the Hajj season coinciding with the intense summer months in recent years, accurate weather forecasting has become a cornerstone of emergency plans and risk management. These forecasts help relevant authorities take the necessary measures to prevent heat exhaustion and sunstroke among pilgrims, positively impacting the success of the season and reinforcing the Kingdom's global leadership in managing the largest annual human gathering.
Weather forecast from the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah until the Day of Tarwiyah
Regarding the weather details, Dr. Ghulam explained that the period from the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah until the Day of Tarwiyah (the eighth of Dhu al-Hijjah) will be hot to very hot. The sky is expected to be clear to partly cloudy, with noticeable surface wind activity that will stir up dust and sand, especially during the daytime. Maximum temperatures during this period will range between 44 and 47 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will range between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels ranging between 10% and 40%. Winds will generally be southwesterly to northwesterly at speeds ranging from 15 to 40 km/h.
Weather conditions during the Day of Arafah and the days of Tashreeq
As for the most important period, which begins on the Day of Arafah (the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah) and continues until the thirteenth, the report indicated that the weather will remain hot and clear to partly cloudy. Surface winds will remain active, stirring up dust and sand during the day. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, and minimum temperatures between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius, with humidity ranging between 15% and 55%. Winds will be northwesterly at speeds of 20 to 50 km/h. The center did not rule out the formation of thunderstorms over the highlands of Taif Governorate, which may extend to the holy sites, accompanied by downdrafts that stir up dust.
Advanced technological infrastructure to serve the pilgrims
These statements were made during an inspection tour to assess the readiness of the National Center for Meteorology in Mecca. Dr. Ghulam confirmed that the center is fully prepared, boasting an integrated operational system that relies on the latest technologies and qualified national personnel. The monitoring plan includes the use of weather radars, satellite imagery, and the Saudi numerical model. This plan is supported by a vast field monitoring network comprising 59 automatic stations, 19 mobile stations, 3 fixed radars, and one mobile radar, in addition to 6 manned stations and specialized stations for monitoring the upper atmosphere.
The role of media and artificial intelligence in raising awareness
In a related effort to enhance communication, the center launched the “Media Production and Digital Communication Center” to broadcast weather bulletins and awareness messages in multiple languages across 15 media and digital platforms, utilizing the latest artificial intelligence technologies. Regional centers, such as the Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorms, the Climate Change Center, and the Cloud Seeding Program, also participate in providing climate studies and exploring opportunities to improve weather patterns, thus enhancing the comfort and safety of pilgrims throughout the Hajj rituals.
