National Center for Meteorology Announces Weather Forecast for Hajj 1446 AH

The CEO of the National Center for Meteorology, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, announced the expected weather conditions for the holy sites during this year’s Hajj season (1446 AH). He stated that, God willing, the weather will be hot to extremely hot, with maximum temperatures ranging between 40°C to 47°C and minimum temperatures between 27°C to 32°C. The expected humidity levels will range between 15% and 60%.

He pointed out that winds will be north to northwesterly at speeds ranging from 25 to 35 km/h, with dust-raising activity that may reduce horizontal visibility—especially in open areas and highways. He also noted the possibility of thundercloud formation over the highlands of Taif, with potential impact extending to the holy sites between the 8th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, accompanied by active downward winds that could stir dust and sand.

This came during the CEO’s field tour today to inspect the center’s readiness in Makkah and the holy sites. He confirmed that the center is fully prepared for this Hajj season through an integrated operational system involving modern technologies and qualified national personnel, supporting the concerned authorities serving the pilgrims and ensuring the highest levels of accuracy in monitoring and analyzing weather phenomena. This aligns with the directives of the wise leadership to harness all capabilities to facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals.

The National Center for Meteorology's plan for this year’s Hajj includes monitoring the weather in Makkah, the holy sites, Madinah, and all entry points, airports, and roads leading to them. This is carried out using weather radars, satellite images, and the Saudi Numerical Weather Prediction Model, all under the supervision of highly trained national staff.

As part of the geographic coverage expansion, the center has strengthened its monitoring network in Makkah and the holy sites with 16 automated stations and 2 manned stations in Mina and Arafat. These provide 1,920 hourly weather bulletins, supported by a mobile observation unit and a fully operational control room working around the clock.

In Madinah, the center operates six automated stations and a manned observatory at Madinah Airport, in addition to a dedicated radar for the region, backed by three other radars in Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu.

The center also launched a Media and Awareness Production Center in Mina to provide weather bulletins and awareness messages in multiple languages through 14 media and digital services targeting pilgrims and relevant entities, using the latest AI technologies and advanced imaging systems.

Furthermore, the National Center for Meteorology’s plan for this Hajj includes the participation of its regional centers, such as the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms, the Climate Change Center, and the Cloud Seeding Program. These support the Hajj season through climate studies, analysis of weather phenomena, and exploration of opportunities to improve weather conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.