Scorching Alert: Saudi Arabia Warns Pilgrims of Brutal Heatwave During Hajj 2025

Saudi Arabian authorities have issued a heat alert shortly ahead of the commencement of this year’s Hajj, signalling that pilgrims can expect very high temperatures of up to 47°C. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) warned that the holy places are likely to face very hot weather. The day will be between 40 °C and 47 °C, and most probably between 27 °C and 32 °C at night.

Humidity conditions are expected to range from 15% to 60%. Dr. Ayman Ghulam, NCM CEO, clarified that south and southwest winds at 25 to 35 km/h could lead to dust plumes, affecting visibility on open roads and highways.

He further advised that thunderstorms are possible in the highlands of Taif and might reach the holy regions between Dhu Al Hijjah 8 and 13. Such weather conditions would lead to strong downdrafts that might enhance dusty weather.

Travellers are advised to guard against them, hydrate themselves with sufficient water, and be informed about the current weather conditions from the official government reports while performing their pilgrimage.

In a bid to supplement comfort, the Kingdom has initiated heat-reduction projects, such as the newly inaugurated cooled pedestrian walkway in Mecca.

In a different initiative, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance welcomed the second batch of pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.

These included 1,053 pilgrims from 76 countries. Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh took the opportunity to recall the goals of the Program, which represent Saudi Arabia as a host and enabler, as well as the initiatives of world Islamic unity.

While all the final preparations are completed at the holy places to make the pilgrimage a success and secure, the Ministry of Tourism said there are now more than 1,160 licensed hospitality facilities in Makkah (up by 54% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to previous year).