Temperatures in Mina reach 45 degrees Celsius on the Day of Tarwiyah
The eyes of the Islamic world are turning towards the holy sites as the Hajj pilgrimage begins. The National Center of Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has announced its weather forecast, indicating that temperatures in Mina could reach a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius on the Day of Tarwiyah. This announcement comes amidst a comprehensive operational mobilization by relevant authorities to provide accurate meteorological data, support pilgrim safety plans, and facilitate their movement under these hot weather conditions.
The historical and religious significance of Mina during the Hajj pilgrimage
Mina is one of the most important stops on the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims spend the Day of Tarwiyah (the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah) following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Historically, this blessed valley has witnessed the gathering of millions of Muslims annually, making it the largest tent city in the world. Due to its open geography, monitoring the weather and its changes is crucial, as weather conditions directly affect the comfort and health of pilgrims during the rituals. Over the decades, Saudi Arabia has consistently developed the infrastructure in Mina, providing air-conditioned tents and shaded walkways to mitigate the intense heat that often accompanies the Hajj season during the summer months.
Details of temperatures in Mina and wind activity
The National Center of Meteorology explained that weather forecasts indicate a minimum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, with a noticeable increase in northwesterly and northerly surface winds reaching speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour. The center indicated that the expected weather conditions in the holy sites will be characterized by partly cloudy skies with some dust, while relative humidity is expected to reach 50 percent during the same day. These conditions necessitate that pilgrims take precautions, adhere to safety instructions, and avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight.
The impact of weather on Hajj organization and regional and international efforts
The impact of weather changes is not limited to the local level but extends to regional and international dimensions, as Hajj missions from around the world monitor these updates to ensure the safety of their citizens. The significant rise in temperatures in Mina poses major logistical and health challenges, highlighting the importance of the tremendous efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in crowd management and the provision of proactive healthcare. These measures serve as a global model for managing large-scale public events under harsh climatic conditions, reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims and providing a safe and healthy environment for the pilgrims.
Automated early warnings and advanced monitoring system
To address these climatic changes, the center confirmed the activation of its meteorological system at the Mina Observatory to issue 24 hourly weather bulletins and eight detailed bulletins, providing operational and support agencies with round-the-clock weather updates. It also noted the use of four mobile automatic monitoring stations, in addition to one manned station and another fixed automatic station, to ensure the rapid issuance of special reports and early automated warnings in the event of any severe weather phenomena.
Awareness programs in multiple languages to serve pilgrims
The center highlighted the intensification of its awareness programs targeting pilgrims and field staff in five different languages, aiming to raise awareness of climate changes and enhance safety measures during travel and the performance of rituals. It emphasized the continued provision of its monitoring and forecasting services in accordance with best international practices, supporting integrated national efforts to ensure a safe environment for pilgrims throughout the Hajj season.
