Saudi Arabia warns of extreme heat during Hajj pilgrimage

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have issued a warning for an exceptionally hot Hajj season this year, with temperatures expected to reach up to 47°C, reported Gulf News on Friday.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) released a weather advisory for pilgrims, forecasting hot to extremely hot conditions across the holy sites.

According to the NCM, daytime temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while night-time lows may fall between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are forecast to fluctuate between 15% and 60%.
Dr Ayman Ghulam, CEO of the NCM, noted that northerly to northwesterly winds are expected to blow at speeds of 25 to 35 km/h, potentially stirring up dust and reducing visibility, especially in open areas and along highways.

He also warned of possible thunderstorms developing over the highlands of Taif, with the potential for weather systems to extend to the holy sites between Dhu Al Hijjah 8 and 13. These storms may be accompanied by strong downdrafts, further worsening dusty conditions.

Authorities have urged pilgrims to take necessary precautions, stay well-hydrated, and follow official weather updates throughout the pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has underscored its ongoing efforts to protect pilgrims’ well-being.

As part of the Kingdom’s broader Cooled Roads Initiative, a cooled pedestrian walkway was recently inaugurated in Mecca. The project aims to reduce heat, lower surface temperatures, and enhance comfort and accessibility for pilgrims.

According to Saudi Gazette, the General Directorate of Passports announced that a total of 1,255,199 pilgrims have arrived from abroad through all of the Kingdom’s entry ports by the end of Wednesday. Of these, 1,186,810 pilgrims entered via airports, 63,301 through land ports, and 5,088 arrived by sea.
The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating smooth and efficient entry procedures for the pilgrims by equipping its platforms with the latest technological systems, operated by qualified personnel fluent in multiple languages.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance announced the arrival of the second batch of guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit for the year 2025, totalling 1,053 male and female pilgrims from 76 countries around the world.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and General Supervisor of the Program Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh welcomed the guests, emphasizing that hosting them in Saudi Arabia embodies the wise leadership's keenness to care for delegations from the Islamic nation and to present a civilized model of warm welcome, generous hospitality, and integrated organization.
The Saudi authorities are making finishing touches to their preparations at the holy sites to facilitate the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. The Ministry of Tourism revealed a huge increase in the number of hospitality facilities that have obtained the necessary licenses to operate in Makkah to serve the pilgrims. The number of licensed facilities has reached more than 1,160, recording a growth rate of 54 percent during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.