Mecca now! Kaaba is closed today! A large-scale storm with a speed of 199 km/h!

A powerful storm swept through the holy city of Mecca, affecting thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, located in the heart of the Grand Mosque. The storm brought with it heavy rain, strong winds and lightning, creating a dramatic scene that tested the resilience and faith of the faithful. Unusual for this region, the weather caused a temporary disruption in the flow of pilgrims performing the tawaf, the ritual of circumambulation around the Kaaba. Videos shared on social media show that rain is pouring down in torrents and strong gusts of wind make it difficult for pilgrims to walk around the Kaaba, and some of them are being helped by security personnel. Although it rains in Mecca from time to time, storms of this magnitude are rare. Flashes of lightning lit up the night sky, casting a surreal light on the mosque’s minarets as the storm tested the city’s infrastructure. Saudi authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Emergency crews w