The Saudi government announced on Tuesday that pilgrims can expect average high temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius during this year’s Haj, with a slight increase from normal in Makkah and Madina.
Ayman Ghulam, chief of the national meteorology centre, reported that the climate forecast indicates a relative humidity of 25%, nearly zero rainfall, and an average maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius. He emphasized the need for ample water supplies to meet daily consumption needs and advised that food for pilgrims be transported in refrigerators to prevent spoilage.
Last year, over 1.8 million pilgrims performed Haj, with more than 2,000 cases of heat stress reported as temperatures reached 48 degrees Celsius. The actual number of heat stress cases, including heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes, was likely much higher since many were not admitted to hospitals or clinics.
At least 240 pilgrims, many from Indonesia, died during the pilgrimage, though specific causes of death were not detailed by various reporting countries.
Saudi authorities are implementing measures to mitigate the heat’s effects, such as providing air-conditioned tents and misting systems.
