Hajj 2025: Hot to Extremely Hot Weather Expected at Holy Sites
As Wednesday May 28, 2025 marked the first day of Dhu'al-Hijjah, the Hajj season for this year will take place during the first ten days of June 2025. In the light of this, the Saudi National Center of Meteorology (NCM) announced its weather forecast for the Hajj season.
In a press conference, the NCM's Chief Executive, Ayman Ghulam, said that the expected weather conditions at the Holy Sites will be hot to extremely hot.
According to Ghulam, the maximum temperatures in the Holy Sites during Hajj are forecast to range between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperatures will range between 27 and 32 degree Celsius.
Moreover, the humidity levels could reach up to 60%. The Holy Sites are likely to experience northerly to northwesterly winds at speeds ranging from 25 km/h to 35 km/h. These winds may stir up dust and reduce visibility, particularly in open areas and highways, he noted.
Additionally, the NCM's Chief Executive pointed to the possibility of thunderclouds formation in the highlands of Taif. Their impact could extend to the Holy Sites from Dhu'al-Hijjah 8-13, bringing strong downwinds that raise dust and dirt.
The prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to heat exhaustion, which may develop in some conditions to heatstroke. Many pilgrims experience heat exhaustion or heatstroke due to exposure to the sun for a long period of time.
To avoid heatstroke, pilgrims are advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and use light-colored umbrellas.
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