Meteorology: Hajj leaves summer for 25 years... and more moderate seasons begin this year – Urgent
He pointed out that this year's Hajj season comes at the end of spring, and will continue Hajj Over the coming years, the weather will be more moderate compared to the record-breaking high temperatures of past seasons.
Hajj season
Al-Qahtani explained that the Hajj season will be held in the spring for eight years starting this year, followed by eight years in the winter, then eight years in the autumn, before returning to the summer in about 25 years. He noted that this shift presents an opportunity to enhance the comfort of pilgrims and improve the climatic conditions surrounding the performance of the rituals.
He pointed out that this year's Hajj season will see lower temperatures than in previous years, but they will still remain relatively high due to its occurrence at the end of spring.
He predicted that temperatures will begin to moderate starting next year, with the possibility of rainfall during the spring seasons in the coming years.
highest temperatures in history
The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology stated that 2024 CE recorded the highest temperatures in fifty years in the area surrounding the Grand Mosque in Mecca, reaching 52 degrees Celsius in the shade during the first days of Tashreeq.
He confirmed that this year was characterized by remarkable climatic phenomena, including record-breaking high temperatures and significant changes in rainfall patterns, which the World Health Organization classified as an exceptional climatic year globally.
Early preparedness and field coordination
Al-Qahtani added that the National Center for Meteorology and Environmental Protection customarily announces the detailed weather forecast for the Hajj season on the first of Dhul-Hijjah each year. This follows coordination workshops held with relevant field and construction authorities in the holy sites to review key weather features and potential weather phenomena, and to enhance preparedness to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
He emphasized that weather forecasts for the upcoming Hajj seasons indicate relative stability compared to previous years, which will contribute to improving the pilgrims' experience and enhancing the efficiency of operational planning for service sectors. This, in turn, supports public safety objectives and the quality of services provided to pilgrims.
