Heavy Rain in Makkah as Umrah Pilgrims Keep Circling the Kaaba, Red Alert in Place for the Region
Heavy rain came down over Makkah on Thursday, and the courtyard of Masjid al-Haram offered a sight few pilgrims forget. The downpour did not stop the Tawaf. Pilgrims in white ihram kept circling the Kaaba in the rain, soaked through and absorbed in prayer. For many of them, rain at the Haram is a mercy to be witnessed rather than weather to escape, and people lingered in the courtyard to live the moment instead of hurrying for cover.
A red alert from the meteorology centre
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology had issued a red alert for parts of the Makkah region. Its forecast warned of moderate to heavy thunderstorms over Makkah, Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha, with hail, strong winds and the risk of flash floods in places, while Madinah and several northern regions were expected to receive light to moderate rain. Humidity in Makkah climbed sharply through the day.
Authorities urge caution
Civil defence officials routinely advise residents and pilgrims to stay away from valleys and low-lying areas during such spells and to follow weather updates before travelling. Pilgrims, especially families travelling with children and elderly relatives, have been urged to plan their visits to the Haram around the latest forecasts over the next few days while unsettled weather lingers over the western region.
