Weather in Mecca on the first day of Eid: Weather alerts
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a yellow alert warning of unstable weather conditions affecting Mecca and its surrounding provinces during the first days of Eid al-Adha. The alert includes warnings of strong surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility significantly in many coastal and open areas.
Details of weather alerts regarding the weather in Mecca and the coastal provinces
The center clarified that the yellow alert covers the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, and Khulais, in addition to the Al-Shuaiba area and its surrounding coastal regions. According to the meteorological report, these areas are expected to experience active winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour. These strong winds will carry dust, causing reduced horizontal visibility on highways and in open areas. This alert will be in effect from 9:00 AM on Wednesday (the first day of Eid) until 6:00 PM on the same day, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution.
The climatic context of the Hajj season and Eid al-Adha in the holy sites
These weather fluctuations come at a time when the Makkah region is witnessing a large influx of pilgrims and visitors to perform Hajj and celebrate Eid al-Adha. Historically, this time of year is characterized by high temperatures and dry monsoon winds that blow across western Saudi Arabia. These weather phenomena are common at this time, as the region is affected by thermal low-pressure systems that lead to active surface winds and dust storms. This necessitates continuous preparedness from the relevant authorities to ensure everyone's safety and provide a suitable environment for pilgrims and residents alike.
Expected effects and preventive guidelines for dealing with dust
This weather condition is directly impacting travel between cities and governorates within the Makkah region, particularly on the coastal roads connecting Jeddah, Yanbu, and Rabigh. Locally, authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere to speed limits due to reduced visibility. On the health front, those with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to avoid direct exposure to the dust and to wear protective masks when outdoors. Regionally and internationally, stable weather conditions in the Holy Sites are of paramount importance given the presence of millions of pilgrims from around the world. Accurate weather forecasts are therefore crucial for the success of crowd management plans during the days of Tashreeq and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
