As heavy rains and potential flooding hit the holy city of Mecca, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued essential safety guidelines for Muslims performing the Umrah pilgrimage. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of worshippers during the ongoing rainfall and forecasted storms.

Rain-Related Guidelines for Umrah Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised pilgrims to observe certain measures while undertaking the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque. These include:

• Avoiding crowded places: Pilgrims should avoid jostling with others to prevent accidents during the rain.

• Exercise caution: Be cautious while using escalators and corridors within the Grand Mosque.

• Follow directives: Adhere to the instructions of security personnel present at the site to ensure a safe pilgrimage experience.

Precautions During Umrah Rites at the Grand Mosque

On Monday night, worshippers were seen offering the obligatory Isha (evening) prayers in the Grand Mosque despite heavy rains. Authorities have reiterated the importance of following safety guidelines to avoid accidents in the wet and slippery conditions. For more tips on staying safe during Umrah, visit Importance of Following Guidelines During Umrah.

Current Weather Conditions in Mecca

Mecca has been experiencing torrential rains accompanied by lightning and thunder, which have resulted in the flooding of several roads in the city. The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted that further rainfall, high-speed winds, floods, and thunderstorms in Mecca and nearby areas are likely to continue until Tuesday evening.

Impact of Torrential Rains on Mecca

The ongoing severe weather has prompted the government to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety. For the latest weather updates in Saudi Arabia, please visit Weather Updates in Saudi Arabia: How to Stay Safe.

Authorities' Response and Public Safety Measures

In response to the adverse weather conditions, a government crisis management centre in Mecca has urged highway users to remain vigilant as the region is affected by thunder rains, showers of hail, and dust storms. Education authorities have also taken steps to ensure student safety.

Suspension of In-Person Classes in Mecca

The ongoing weather challenges have led to the suspension of in-person classes in Mecca and affiliated governorates on Tuesday, with a switch to online learning to protect students. Umm Al Qura University in Mecca has also moved to online classes as a precaution. For more information on how the weather is affecting educational institutions, you can read What to Know About Umrah Pilgrimage in Mecca.

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