Motorists drive through a wet road in Makkah in this photo taken by an Arab News reader late last month. Weather officials are predicting more rain at the holy sites during Haj.

Rain and thunderstorm are likely at the holy sites in the Kingdom during the current Haj season, the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment Protection (PME) has said.

Cumulus clouds and precipitation may range from medium to heavy, said PME head Abdulaziz Al-Jaswer said. The PME’s role is to monitor weather events around the clock and announce any extenuating circumstances, should the situation warrant, he said, adding that the PME has put in place a plan to address any weather events.

Sixteen bodies involved in dealing with extreme weather events receive information from the PME in a timely manner in order to implement their plans.

During his tour to monitor how the plan is being carried out in preparation for the pilgrimage this year, Jasser said the PME launched an electronic portal to host reports of weather predictions and environmental information.

Weather reports are transmitted directly to the command and control center in Mina, in addition to those involved with weather and environmental information.

He said the PME is working alongside other government agencies for Haj in line with directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to exert maximum efforts to serve the pilgrims this year.

The PME runs automatic stations in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah on the Red Sea coast to monitor the weather, while experts and specialists will be working around the clock to monitor satellite images and weather radar throughout the Kingdom.

During his visit to the General Directorate of Analysis and Predictions, Jasser reiterated that preparations are ongoing with respect to the PME’s readiness to implement its plan at the holy sites.