The National Center for Meteorology raises its readiness to ensure safe weather on the Day of Arafah
Exceptional preparations to serve the guests of God
has enhanced The National Center for Meteorology its technical, technological, and operational capabilities to provide the best possible meteorological services during the Day of Arafah. This strategic step aims to achieve the highest levels of accuracy and preparedness, and to provide the necessary resources that directly contribute to serving the pilgrims of the Holy House of God and facilitating their performance of the rituals in safety and peace of mind.
Historical context and importance of climate management in Hajj
Historically, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on the safety of pilgrims, as the Hajj season is one of the largest human gatherings in the world. Given the varying dates of the Hajj season according to the Islamic calendar, managing climatic challenges, especially during the summer months with their significantly high temperatures, is a top priority. The Saudi meteorological system has evolved over the decades, transitioning from traditional monitoring methods to utilizing the latest global technologies, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to harness technology for the benefit of humanity and crowd management.
Artificial intelligence and real-time predictions
In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into the real-time forecasting system represents a significant leap forward in the field of meteorology. This development enables the center to analyze massive amounts of data with exceptional speed and provide accurate and continuous readings, thus supporting ongoing coordination with all entities involved in serving pilgrims. These entities are provided with real-time weather information, data, and forecasts of potential phenomena within an integrated support system that contributes to proactive decision-making to protect pilgrims from heat stress or any sudden weather changes.
Weather conditions in Arafat and the technologies used
Regarding the weather conditions in Arafat, Dr. Turki Habibullah, the General Supervisor of Hajj and Umrah Operations at the Center, explained that the Center monitors the weather with extreme precision through a wide network of modern technologies. This network includes advanced weather radars, high-resolution satellite imagery, automated and manned stations, as well as mobile stations dedicated to measuring the upper atmosphere. All these tools contribute to ensuring the accuracy of forecasts and meeting the requirements of the agencies operating in the field.
Five weather stations to cover the holy sites
Dr. Habibullah added that the meteorological coverage includes five main stations strategically distributed between Arafat and Muzdalifah to ensure real-time monitoring. These stations include: a semi-automated monitoring station, a manned monitoring station, an automatic monitoring station in Wadi Arnah in Arafat, an automatic monitoring station in the Holy Sanctuary, and a mobile automatic monitoring station in Muzdalifah.
Weather forecast for the Day of Arafah and expected impact
Arafat is expected to experience maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels that may reach 50%, and active winds blowing from the north to the northeast at a speed of up to 36 km/h, under partly cloudy skies.
This early and meticulous preparation not only reflects its impact locally, but extends regionally and internationally, as it sends a message of reassurance to millions of Muslims around the world and to the countries that send their Hajj missions, confirming the ability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to manage huge crowds in the most difficult climatic conditions efficiently and competently, and to provide a healthy and safe environment for the completion of the fifth pillar of Islam.
