High temperatures in Arafat: Weather warnings for pilgrims
The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, explained that the noticeable rise in temperatures in Arafat and the holy sites continues during the current Hajj season. Al-Qahtani emphasized that strict adherence to the instructions and preventive guidelines issued by the relevant authorities effectively contributes to mitigating the impact of the hot weather on the health and safety of the pilgrims, especially as temperatures reach record levels that necessitate extreme caution and a conscious approach to the climatic conditions.
Temperature details in Arafat and the holy sites
Al-Qahtani stated that Mina recorded a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius on the Day of Tarwiyah, accompanied by wind speeds reaching 26 kilometers per hour, while the highest recorded humidity was approximately 36%. He noted that temperatures in Arafat continue to be the highest among all the holy sites since the beginning of this Hajj season, having reached 48 degrees Celsius last Saturday. He added that initial readings and numerical models indicate the possibility of temperatures in Arafat reaching around 45 degrees Celsius during the peak hours tomorrow, God willing. He urged pilgrims to adhere to the instructions of the relevant authorities, fully comply with preventive guidelines, and avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, to mitigate the effects of heat stress.
The historical context of climate challenges during the Hajj pilgrimage
Historically, the Hajj season has been associated with numerous climatic challenges, especially when the month of Dhul-Hijjah coincides with the harsh summer months in the Arabian Peninsula. Over the decades, Saudi Arabia has addressed these challenges with tremendous efforts and continuous development of the infrastructure in Mecca and the Holy Sites. From providing large umbrellas and deploying misting fans to cool the air, to planting vast areas of neem trees in Arafat, these efforts reflect a longstanding commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for pilgrims. Dealing with the hot weather is not a new concept; it is part of the complex crowd management that the Kingdom has mastered and continues to refine year after year to ensure the comfort of pilgrims.
The importance of proactive measures and their regional and international impact
The meticulous attention given to weather monitoring and early warnings extends beyond the local level, encompassing significant regional and international dimensions. Locally, these warnings help alleviate the burden on the Saudi healthcare sector and field hospitals by reducing cases of heatstroke and heat exhaustion among the millions of pilgrims. Internationally, the transparency in weather announcements and the use of cutting-edge technologies send a reassuring message to millions of Muslims and pilgrims' families worldwide, affirming that the Kingdom prioritizes the safety of the pilgrims and manages this major Islamic event with the utmost professionalism and responsibility.
Modern technologies and artificial intelligence to ensure the safety of pilgrims
In a related context, Turki Habibullah, Director General of Research, Development, and Innovation at the National Center for Meteorology, stated previously that the center has deployed more than 92 advanced weather monitoring stations. These stations utilize modern technologies supported by artificial intelligence and advanced systems, with the aim of ensuring the safety of pilgrims and enhancing the preparedness of all relevant authorities during the Hajj season. Habibullah noted that the center is working diligently to develop an accurate and real-time forecasting system that contributes to protecting pilgrims and enhancing the efficiency of rapid response to extreme weather events. This, in turn, supports the efforts of the relevant authorities in managing crowds and maintaining the safety and security of pilgrims throughout the Hajj rituals.
