NCM Deploys Advanced Weather Monitoring for Hajj Safety

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is fully operational in Mina, providing essential meteorological data in preparation for the Day of Tarwiyah as part of an integrated system supporting safety plans and facilitating Hajj rituals for pilgrims.

 NCM leverages an advanced system of modern technologies, including weather radars, satellite images, and the Saudi numerical model, ensuring 100% atmospheric coverage of Makkah, the holy sites, and Madinah, as well as their connecting ports, airports, and roads. Expert national cadres provide relevant authorities with hourly weather updates and forecasts of potential phenomena.

 To bolster its monitoring network, NCM has deployed 16 automatic stations and two manned stations in Mina and Arafat, issuing a total of 1,920 hourly weather bulletins throughout the Hajj season. This is supplemented by a mobile monitoring center and a 24/7 integrated operations room. Specifically for the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, the center issues 24 hourly Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR) and eight surface synoptic observations (SYNOP) bulletins, alongside special reports and automated early warnings for severe weather.

 NCM also runs awareness programs through its media production and awareness center in Mina, delivering weather bulletins and safety messages in five languages via 14 media and digital platforms, utilizing AI and advanced imaging.

 For the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, NCM forecasts maximum temperatures of 40°C and minimums of 29°C, with wind speeds reaching 65 km/h, humidity up to 65%, and partly cloudy skies interspersed with dust.