The Saudi government issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that pilgrims can anticipate scorching temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius during the Haj pilgrimage, following last year’s incidents of heat stress.
Ayman Ghulam, the chief of the national meteorology center, stated in a press conference that this year’s Haj is expected to experience temperatures one-and-a-half to two degrees above the normal average in Makkah and Madina.
The forecast predicts a relative humidity of 25 percent, minimal rain, and an average maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius, Ghulam added.
Emphasizing the necessity for ample water supplies to meet increased daily consumption due to rising temperatures, Ghulam also advised transporting pilgrims’ food in refrigerated containers to prevent spoilage.
Last year, over 1.8 million pilgrims performed Haj, with more than 2,000 individuals suffering from heat stress as temperatures soared to 48 degrees Celsius. However, the actual number of heat stress cases, which include heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes, was likely much higher, as many affected individuals did not seek medical attention.
Various countries reported at least 240 deaths during the pilgrimage, with causes unspecified.
Saudi authorities have implemented measures to mitigate the impact of heat, such as providing air-conditioned tents and misting systems.