The holy city of Makkah is expected to experience high temperatures during this year’s Hajj, which starts on Monday, with the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting an average maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 29.6 degrees Celsius. Despite the dry and hot climate during the daytime, Makkah’s temperature tends to be moderate at night. The NCM has also predicted the possibility of rain during the annual pilgrimage to the holy sites. Meanwhile, the climate in the city of Madinah is considered to be hot and dry during the day, with the average maximum temperature reaching 43 degrees Celsius and the average minimum temperature at 29.3 degrees Celsius.
According to NCM data, Makkah experienced its highest temperature of 51 degrees Celsius on June 30, 2014, and its lowest at 21.5 degrees Celsius on June 27, 2014. The highest amount of rainfall in a single day was recorded at 1.6 millimeters on July 17, 2010, while the highest wind speed was 48 kilometers per hour in an easterly direction on June 21, 2019. In Madinah, the highest temperature during this time was 48.4 degrees Celsius on July 13, 2010, and the lowest was 22.5 degrees Celsius on July 15, 2010. The highest amount of rainfall in a single day was recorded at 19.7 millimeters on July 15, 2010, while the highest wind speed was 83 kilometers per hour.
The NCM’s report highlights that the climate in Makkah during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah is typically dry and hot during the day and moderate at night. The average relative humidity is expected to be around 32 percent, and the average wind speed is between 4-10 km/h in a north-northwesterly direction. However, dusty winds may cause a decrease in visibility at times.
In terms of precipitation, the first half of the month is expected to see higher amounts of rainfall than usual, while the latter half will see rainfall at around the average level. Madinah’s climate is also considered dry and hot during the day this period, with average relative humidity at 12 percent. The wind speed in Madinah is typically 12 km/h coming from a westerly to northwesterly direction.
Despite the extreme temperature, Muslim pilgrims from all over the world will still come to Makkah for Hajj. The NCM advises people to take necessary precautions and stay hydrated during their stay in Makkah and Madinah. The report suggests that anyone facing discomfort due to the high temperature should immediately seek medical attention. The NCM reminds locals and visitors to follow the health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Hajj.
