Monday, June 17, 2024 At least 19 pilgrims perished due to intense heat during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures forecast to remain dangerously high. During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a tragic toll of at least 19 pilgrims, predominantly from Jordan and Iran, succumbed to extreme temperatures. The Jordanian foreign ministry reported these deaths were due to severe heat, with an additional 17 individuals unaccounted for.
Authorities noted that five Iranian pilgrims also perished in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, though the exact causes of their deaths remain unspecified. As of now, Saudi Arabian officials have not released any details concerning these incidents. Recent updates on June 16 revealed that six fatalities occurred due to heatstroke amid the pilgrimage.
Jordanian officials are coordinating with Saudi authorities regarding the burial processes and the potential repatriation of the deceased. This week, temperatures soared above 46 degrees Celsius, posing significant challenges for the pilgrims, particularly the elderly, as many of the Hajj rituals require being outdoors and walking considerable distances. According to AccuWeather, this harsh heatwave is expected to persist throughout the Hajj, with temperatures peaking at 47 degrees Celsius on June 17, and slightly cooling to 43 degrees by June 19.
Forecasts for this Hajj season predict average temperatures in Mecca and Medina to be 1.5 to 2 degrees higher than usual, with minimal cha.
