Saudi Arabia is bracing for a hotter-than-normal August, with the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasting above-average temperatures, stronger winds and low rainfall across most of the Kingdom. The outlook has prompted heat-safety guidance for Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, where the 1448 AH season is drawing large numbers of worshippers during the peak of summer.

According to the NCM, wind speeds are expected to exceed normal levels in most regions, raising the likelihood of blowing dust and sand in exposed areas. The center's three-month outlook covering August, September and October projects a 60 to 80 percent probability of above-normal surface temperatures nationwide, with the largest anomalies expected in August and October, when temperatures could rise by as much as 2.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.

What the forecast means for pilgrims

For pilgrims performing Umrah, the combination of intense heat, humidity and dust can raise the risk of heat exhaustion, sunstroke and dehydration, particularly during the middle of the day. Rituals such as tawaf and sai, along with walking between sites, place added strain on the body in hot conditions.

Health authorities have consistently advised pilgrims to take heat seriously. Dehydration can develop quickly at high temperatures, and the effects can be more severe for elderly pilgrims, children and those with chronic health conditions. Simple precautions can make a significant difference in staying safe and comfortable.

Pilgrims travelling in groups are encouraged to keep an eye on one another, especially the elderly and those performing Umrah for the first time. Heat illness can set in gradually, and a companion who notices early warning signs can help someone rest and rehydrate before the situation becomes serious.

Recommended precautions

Guidance issued for pilgrims during hot periods has emphasised a set of practical measures. Among the most important:

  • Use an umbrella: Authorities have repeatedly urged pilgrims to carry umbrellas, which can lower the temperature felt by the body by several degrees and offer vital protection from direct sun.
  • Drink water regularly: Pilgrims are advised to keep drinking water throughout the day, even when they do not feel thirsty, to guard against rapid dehydration.
  • Wear suitable clothing: Loose, light-colored garments made from natural fabrics help reflect heat and allow the skin to breathe.
  • Avoid peak heat: Where possible, pilgrims should perform outdoor rituals during cooler hours, such as late night or early morning, rather than the hottest part of the afternoon.
  • Rest in shade: Taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas helps the body recover between periods of exertion.

Monitoring and support on the ground

The NCM operates an extensive monitoring network to track conditions around the holy sites and the roads linking Makkah and Madinah, using radars, satellite imagery and numerical forecasting models. Authorities issue alerts when dust or extreme heat is expected, helping pilgrims and organisers plan accordingly.

The Grand Mosque is served by large-scale cooling infrastructure, including one of the world's biggest cooling systems and mist fans in the courtyards, which help keep temperatures manageable at prayer times. Even so, officials stress that personal precautions remain essential for anyone spending time outdoors during the summer.

Practical tips for this season

  • Plan rituals for cooler hours: Favour late-night and early-morning windows for tawaf, sai and walking between sites.
  • Carry water and an umbrella: Keep both with you whenever you leave your accommodation.
  • Watch for dust warnings: Those with respiratory conditions should carry a mask and follow NCM alerts on windy, dusty days.
  • Know the signs of heat illness: Dizziness, nausea, headache and confusion are warning signs; move to shade, cool down and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
  • Pace yourself: Rest often, avoid overexertion and check on elderly or vulnerable members of your group.

With careful planning and attention to the forecast, pilgrims can perform their Umrah safely and focus on their worship, even as the Kingdom endures one of its hotter summers.