Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-06-10

Ramadaan is only a few weeks away and with many Muslims intending to spend the blessed month in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom has warned of scorching weather.

Arab News reports Muslims should expect scorching temperatures of over 50 degrees Celsius and more than 15 hours a day of fasting in Ramadan this year.

However, the hours will decrease slightly to 14 hours and 40 minutes toward the end of the holy month.

Makkah, Madinah, Yanbu, Riyadh and Dammam, are expected to record the highest mercury levels.

Hussain Al-Qahtani, spokesperson of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment said the temperature during Ramadan would likely remain high due to the low pressure in the Arabian Peninsula and hot weather conditions across the Middle East.

Al-Qahtani said temperatures would be between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius in the Makkah region, 42 to 47 in Madinah and 44 to 47 in Riyadh.

He said Makkah recorded 49.8 degrees Celsius on July 1, 1989, Madinah 49 on July 20, 2005.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle.

Fasting in the month of Ramadaan is compulsory for Muslims that have attained maturity.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “Oh you who believe, fasting has been made compulsory upon you as it has been made compulsory to those before you, so that you may attain piety” – (Qur’an Chapter 2, Verse 183)

(Twitter: @Faizie143)