Saturday, June 8, 2024 Rising temperatures trigger a Saudi government advisory for pilgrims heading to Hajj, cautioning against extreme heat in Mecca. Accu Weather and Saudi Goverment predictions for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah suggest exceptionally high temperatures, with an average high of 48oC forecasted by officials from the National Meteorology Centre. This marks an increase of 1.
5 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal for both Makkah and Madinah. Peak afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 48oC, with relative humidity around 25%. Despite the general low probability of rain during most of the pilgrimage, meteorologists anticipate a 60% chance of significant rainfall, particularly heavy showers over the elevated areas of Taif, which could impact the sacred sites.
The Hajj, set to begin on June 14, is an essential religious duty for all financially and physically able Muslims, involving several days of rites mostly conducted outdoors in Makkah and its surroundings. According to AccuWeather, the harsh heatwave will persist throughout the Hajj, with daily temperatures forecasted as follows: The Saudi government has issued a warning to travelers about severe heatwaves during the Hajj and stresses the importance of sustainability and protective measures against global warming. Over 18,00,000 people participated in last year’s Hajj, with over 1,800 suffering from heat-related illnesses due to temperatures soaring nearly 48oC.
TTW Editor in Cheif Anup Kumar Kesha.
