This year’s hajj begins on Friday, June 14.
The National Center for Meteorology warned that the hajj will see an increase in average temperatures by up to one-and-a-half degrees in Mecca and at the other holy sites. The center has also warned against the probability of heat waves.
The center said pilgrims should expect average high temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius in Mecca where the weather will be hot to very hot during the day.
Al-Abdulaali said pilgrims must follow the health ministry’s guidelines such as carrying umbrellas to avoid direct exposure to the sun, drinking sufficient quantities of water, and making sure there are enough rest periods between rituals to reduce fatigue and heat stress.
He added that the ministry was undertaking every effort to ensure the safety of the pilgrims in view of the harsh weather conditions.
With an average temperature of 44 degrees celsius and with pilgrims performing a series of rituals, sunstroke and heat stress can become quite common.
