Saudia Arabia has announced a Hajj travel advisory for pilgrims on the Hajj circuit amid scorching temperatures in Makkah and Medina. The National Meteorology Centre of Saudi predicts an average high of 44ºC, in terms of peak afternoon temperatures. This marks an increase of 1.5ºC to 2ºC as compared to past temperatures during this time. Peak afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 48ºC, with relative humidity remaining around 25%. Although there is a low probability of rainfall, a 60% chance of significant rainfall is expected over the elevated areas of Taif, which in turn might affect the sacred sites.
Hajj travel advisory: Saudi takes steps to alleviate the impact of extreme heat
Saudi Arabia authorities in charge of the Hajj pilgrimage are providing air-conditioned tents and cooling mists to keep pilgrims cool, especially elderly people and those with existing medical conditions. Additionally, authorities who issued the travel advisory emphasised the necessity of ample water consumption to stay hydrated during Hajj and refrigerated transport for food to ensure freshness.
The 2023 pilgrimage saw over 1.8 million people participating in Hajj, with more than 2,000 cases of heat stress and related health issues. The pilgrimage, slated to start on June 14, 2024, is one of the five pillars of Islam. The trip involves a visit to Mecca and Medina, along with several rites and rituals to be completed in Mecca and the surroundings over four days. Most of these rites take place outdoors. The Islamic lunar calendar shifts the dates every year, which probably makes this pilgrimage the last one during summer for a long time.
(Feature image credit: SATRIA NANGISAN/Shutterstock)
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