NCM Chief: Hot and dusty weather expected in Makkah and holy sites during Hajj

MAKKAH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast dusty winds and temperatures reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius in Makkah and the holy sites during the 2026 Hajj days. The NCM announced the anticipated weather conditions in Makkah and the holy sites, expecting hot to extremely hot weather accompanied by strong surface winds that may raise dust and sand, particularly during daytime. The CEO of the NCM Dr. Ayman Ghulam stated that the period from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until the Day of Tarwiyah (Dhul Hijjah 8) is expected to witness maximum temperatures ranging between 44 and 47 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees. Humidity levels are projected to range from 10 percent to 40 percent, while southwesterly to northwesterly winds are expected at speeds between 15 and 40 km/h. The NCM chief said that the period from the Day of Arafat until Dhul Hijjah 13 will experience hot weather under clear to partly cloudy skies, with continued wind activity causing dust and sand movement.Dr. Ghulam made the remarks during an inspection tour conducted to assess the NCM’s operational readiness in Makkah and the holy sites. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will range between 26 and 29 degrees, with humidity levels reaching up to 55 percent, he said. Dr. Ghulam further noted that the possibility of thunderstorm formation over the highlands of Taif governorate cannot be ruled out, with potential impacts extending to the holy sites, accompanied by downdrafts that may stir up dust and sand.He affirmed the full operational preparedness of the Hajj season system, highlighting the use of advanced technologies and specialized national personnel to support the agencies serving pilgrims and to enhance the accuracy of monitoring and analyzing weather phenomena. Dr. Ghulam explained that the NCM’s operational plan includes continuous atmospheric monitoring across Makkah, the holy sites, Madinah, as well as the entry points and roads leading to them. This is carried out through the use of weather radars, satellite imagery, and the Saudi numerical model, supported by 59 automatic stations, 19 mobile stations, 3 fixed radars, and one mobile radar, in addition to weather and upper-air observation stations. The NCM also launched the Media Production and Digital Communication Center to deliver weather bulletins and awareness messages in several languages across 15 media and digital platforms, utilizing artificial intelligence technologies. This initiative forms part of a broader plan aimed at enhancing the safety, comfort, and overall experience of pilgrims during the Hajj season.