RIYADH: As millions of Muslims around the world look forward towards taking part in Hajj 2024, Saudi Arabia has warned pilgrims of “above average” heat during the annual pilgrimage this year.
At a press conference, Ayman Ghulam, the head of the Saudi National Meteorology Centre, said that during Hajj 2024, the average temperature in Makkah and Madina will be 1.5 to 2 degrees higher than usual. The highest temperatures are expected to reach 44°C.
Ghulam further said that there are almost no chances of rain with humidity levels at 25%.
The Hajj, starting on June 14, is one of the key practices in Islam. Every Muslim who can afford it should go at least once in their life.
It involves a series of rites completed over four days in Makkah and its surroundings in the west of oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj, official figures showed.
Saudi authorities reported that over 2,000 people experienced heat stress when temperatures reached 48°C (118°F). However, the actual number of cases, including heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes, was likely much higher since many people did not seek medical attention.
In Pakistan, Chief Meteorologist Sardar told Geo News that Zil Hajj would start on June 6.
“There are strong chances of the moon being sighted on June 7 as by then, it will be of more than 26 hours,” he added.
