Saudi Arabia warns of hajj temperature risks

Speaking to a press conference, Ayman Ghulam, Chief Executive of the country’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM), said: “The expected climate for hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of one and a half to two degrees above normal in Mecca and Medina.”

He added that the weather would also include “relative humidity” of 25%, almost no rain, and temperatures of 44°C.

Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims participated in the hajj, according to official figures. Of these, over 2,000 pilgrims suffered from heat stress during the pilgrimage, after temperatures reached 48°C.

At least 240 people died during the trip, according to figures collected from various countries by the news agency Agence France-Presse.

The hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, occurs annually. This year, it will begin on 14 June. It is considered a religious duty that all Muslims must do at least once in their lives, provided that they are physically and financially capable.

Ghulam recommended that pilgrims should drink sufficient quantities of water and ensure that all food being transported is stored in a refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

The Saudi government has also taken steps to mitigate some of the effects of the heat, providing air-conditioned tents and misting systems for pilgrims.

Cathy Hudson explored the measures taken to keep hajj pilgrims safe in the May 2023 issue of ITIJ.