Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, led to the closure of schools on Wednesday. The bad weather caused challenges for pilgrims, as videos on social media depicted them seeking shelter from a severe thunderstorm overnight.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Makkah Al Mukarramah experienced heavy rain along with thunderstorms on Tuesday evening. Due to the unpredictable weather, education authorities decided to keep schools closed on Wednesday.
The National Centre of Meteorology predicted that there would be more thunderstorms with intense rainfall, hail, strong winds causing dust and sand to swirl, and reduced visibility in areas including Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Makkah, and Madinah.
Pilgrims faced difficulties while performing the tawaf around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, struggling against strong winds. Some even had to navigate around barriers that were moved by the wind. A video widely circulated on social media captured a lightning strike hitting the well-known clock tower overlooking the Kaaba.
