NCM Briefs 48 Hajj-Related Entities On Weather Patterns For Safe Pilgrimage In 1446 AH

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) held its second Climate Impact Workshop at its Jeddah headquarters. The event was attended by Dr. Ayman Ghulam, NCM's CEO, along with representatives from 48 government and field agencies involved in Hajj activities. The workshop aimed to improve coordination and readiness for the 1446 AH Hajj season.

Dr. Ghulam highlighted the significance of early preparation for Hajj in his opening remarks. He mentioned that the NCM has intensified efforts by enhancing the monitoring system in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. Accurate meteorological services are being provided to ensure pilgrim safety.

The NCM has achieved 100% weather coverage of the Holy Sites using a network of stations, radars, and advanced technologies. This is supported by specialized field teams to ensure comprehensive monitoring. The workshop included expert presentations on climate forecasts for the Holy Sites and results from a heat stress study conducted during last year’s Hajj.

A presentation also covered the Climate Change Center’s long-term outlook for Hajj seasons up to 1471 AH. Discussions included the role of cloud seeding in improving the regional climate environment. Additionally, operational readiness of monitoring networks and emergency systems were reviewed.

The workshop explored mechanisms for responding to severe weather conditions and provided an overview of NCM’s digital platform. Flash flood forecasting tools were discussed, along with services offered to both public and private sectors. A special presentation focused on NCM's media strategy during Hajj, highlighting over 14 targeted services for pilgrims.

The importance of unified messaging was emphasized, reinforcing NCM's role as the official source for climate and weather information. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support the Hajj system with reliable data and enhance coordination among relevant entities.

Vision 2030 Alignment

These efforts contribute to a safe pilgrimage season in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The workshop underscored how reliable climate data supports this vision by fostering high levels of coordination among all involved parties.

With inputs from SPA