MAKKAH: The Saudi National Center for Meteorology announced on Tuesday that this year’s Hajj weather at the holy sites is expected to be extremely hot with strong surface winds during the day, which may cause dust and sandstorms at times, especially in open areas and on the highways. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam,  the CEO of the NCM, told a press conference in Makkah that maximum temperatures at the holy sites were expected to reach between 45 C to 48 C in the afternoons. Ghulam said that the chance of rain was low but thunderclouds could form in the highlands of Taif city, and it was possible that their effects could extend to the holy sites. The potential humidity level could also reach over 60 percent. Ghulam pointed out that the center had an executive plan to monitor weather around the clock at the holy sites, Madinah, airports, ports, and main roads. He added that in preparation for this year’s Hajj season, the center had held coordination meetings, workshops, and training sessions. The latest meeting was called “The Climate Impact of this year’s Hajj,” with more than 44 relevant parties participating to discuss the subject. The center had also conducted an exercise to enhance readiness, review severe weather phenomena, test reporting mechanisms, and ensure that information reached relevant parties during this year’s Hajj season. It had also deployed mobile radar to monitor the sky over the holy sites and the Grand Mosque, as well as mobile stations to monitor upper atmospheric layers and provide satellite images for potential weather phenomena. Ghulam said that the NCM had created a media production center in Mina to provide services to pilgrims, including those with special needs. The center is to broadcast daily weather bulletins and messages across 12 media channels to ensure the safety of pilgrims inside the holy sites. Ghulam added that locations such as the Regional Climate Change Center, the Sand and Dust Storm Warning Regional Center, and the Regional Cloud Seeding Program would be involved in providing relevant information. Abdulaziz Al-Harbi, the general supervisor of Hajj affairs, said that this year’s Hajj would witness an increase in surface temperatures above the norm in Makkah and Madinah. He expects above average rainfall at the holy sites. Asmaa Oulid, a Moroccan pilgrim, told Arab News: “The supervisors of the Hajj companies have informed us that the weather this year will be extremely hot. They have provided us with all the necessary guidelines, emphasizing the importance of drinking plenty of fluids, using umbrellas, and avoiding direct exposure to the sun, especially since temperatures can exceed 45 C. This means it is crucial to follow the instructions and guidelines.” She added: “I understand that the pilgrimage will be tiring and exhausting, but the reward is worth the effort and fatigue. I hope that this experience will be comfortable for the elderly and that the pilgrims will be blessed with good health and return safely to their families.” Nasser Bukhari, a Saudi pilgrim, told Arab News: “Despite the expected rise in temperatures this year, there have been comprehensive preparations from all sectors in Saudi Arabia to work on reducing these temperatures by deploying misting devices in all locations and paving the pathways with cool-colored materials. “Additionally, unique camps equipped to the highest standards have been prepared this year.”