Heat Wave Expected to Hit Saudi Arabia During Hajj

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is warning Hajj pilgrims travelling to expect above-average temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius, which caused thousands of cases of heat stress last year. Heat stress includes symptoms of heat stroke, as well as exhaustion, cramps and rashes.

The climate is predicted to be 1.5 to 2 degrees above the normal temperature for this time of year in Makkah and Madinah, and the forecast also indicates rain rates close to zero and relative humidity of 25%.

In 2023, more than 1.8 million Muslims took part in Hajj, and more than two thousand participants were recorded to have suffered from heat stress. At least 240 people died from the heat at the time, so officials in the Kingdom are taking steps to mitigate the effects of the soaring temperatures with air-conditioned tents and misting systems, as well as making sure food is transported in refrigerators so it does not spoil.