Scorching temperatures forecast for Hajj

RIYADH: The upcoming Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia next month is expected to face soaring temperatures, according to the head of the Saudi National Centre of Meteorology.

Ayman Ghulam stated that this year’s Hajj season, which runs from June 24 to 29, will coincide with the “hottest time of year” in the region. Temperatures and humidity levels are typically high during this period.

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“It was necessary to be in touch with the agencies concerned and notify them of the weather forecasts at the holy places so that they can take precautions during this year’s Hajj,” Ghulam said after a recent workshop examining the climate impact on the 2024 pilgrimage.

The extreme heat poses serious health risks for the over two million Muslims expected to attend the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah and surrounding holy sites. Saudi authorities are preparing for what they anticipate will be record numbers of pilgrims, following a surge of 30 million Umrah pilgrims during Ramazan.