Saudi authorities have issued a heat warning ahead of the upcoming Hajj, cautioning that pilgrims could encounter extreme temperatures, possibly reaching up to 47°C, as reported on Friday.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned that the holy sites will face intense heat, with daytime temperatures ranging from 40°C to 47°C, and cooler nights dipping to between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 15% and 60%.
Dr. Ayman Ghulam, CEO of the NCM, mentioned that north and northwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 25 to 35 km/h may stir up dust, potentially reducing visibility on open roads and highways.
He also noted the possibility of thunderstorms forming over the Taif highlands, which might reach the holy areas between Dhu Al Hijjah 8 and 13, accompanied by strong downdrafts and more dust.
To ensure safety, pilgrims have been urged to stay hydrated, protect themselves from the heat, and keep an eye on official weather updates.
To help cope with the extreme weather, Saudi Arabia has introduced several comfort measures, including a newly opened cooled pedestrian pathway in Mecca.
This effort is part of the broader “Cooled Roads Initiative,” aimed at lowering ground temperatures and easing the walking experience for pilgrims.
As per the Saudi Gazette, the General Directorate of Passports revealed that more than 1.25 million pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom so far. This figure includes 1,186,810 by air, 63,301 by land, and 5,088 by sea.
The directorate also noted that modern systems and multilingual staff have been deployed to facilitate smooth entry procedures.
Additionally, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance welcomed the second batch of pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit. This group consists of 1,053 pilgrims from 76 countries.
Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh emphasized that this initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and dedication to promoting unity within the Muslim world.
Final preparations are now in full swing across the holy sites. The Ministry of Tourism announced that over 1,160 hotels and accommodations in Mecca are now officially licensed, a 54% increase compared to the first quarter of last year.