Monitoring temperatures in the holy sites: 21 monitoring stations
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia continues its intensive efforts to monitor high temperatures in the holy sites and Mecca. This proactive measure coincides with official warnings regarding the intense heat wave affecting the region, which is expected to gradually subside tomorrow evening. These measures are part of comprehensive national efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims and providing them with a healthy and safe environment during Hajj.
Developing the weather monitoring system to serve the pilgrims
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on the safety of pilgrims, especially given that the Hajj season sometimes coincides with the intensely hot summer months due to the pilgrimage's reliance on the lunar Hijri calendar. Over the decades, meteorological monitoring methods have evolved from traditional approaches to the use of the latest global technologies. The Kingdom has established a sophisticated meteorological infrastructure aimed at accurate weather forecasting, reflecting a long-standing commitment to harnessing all available technical and human resources to ensure the comfort of pilgrims and protect them from the risks of heat stress and sunstroke, which have always posed a challenge during the summer months.
Temperature monitoring mechanism in the holy sites
To ensure data accuracy, the National Center for Meteorology relies on 21 field weather stations for monitoring and tracking. These stations are strategically distributed throughout Mecca and the Holy Sites according to the highest internationally recognized meteorological standards. These advanced stations monitor various weather elements, primarily temperatures, and update data hourly. This immediate updating effectively contributes to providing accurate data that supports the work of relevant government, security, and health agencies, facilitating the development of their operational field plans to address any weather-related emergencies.
Local and international dimensions of weather management in Hajj
The impact of these meticulous measures extends far beyond the local sphere of protecting pilgrims and facilitating the work of Saudi health and security sectors. It encompasses crucial regional and international dimensions. Internationally, this transparency and professionalism in crowd management under harsh climatic conditions reassures millions of Muslims and pilgrims' families worldwide about their loved ones' safety. Furthermore, the Kingdom presents a global model for managing massive gatherings of people in the face of climate change, reinforcing its leading position in managing crises and potential natural disasters.
Awareness programs and full preparedness
In a related context, the official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani, explained that the center continues to monitor the weather conditions directly and continuously. He emphasized the strengthening of coordination and effective communication with all relevant sectors, in accordance with the operational plans implemented during the Hajj season, to ensure a rapid response and immediate action in response to weather developments. Al-Qahtani noted that the center has also intensified joint awareness programs in cooperation with relevant authorities, aiming to raise awareness of preventive measures related to high temperatures and enhance the safety of pilgrims during their movements and performance of the rituals. He concluded by affirming the center's and its technical staff's complete readiness to monitor the weather around the clock and provide continuous information and updates to serve the pilgrims.
