MAKKAH, Thekabarnews.com—The Saudi National Center for Meteorology issued a warning of extreme heat ahead of Hajj 2026. It warned that temperatures during the pilgrimage season could reach up to 47 degrees Celsius.

The alert has prompted Saudi authorities to step up public safety campaigns. This comes as millions of Muslims from around the world prepare to make their way to Makkah for one of the largest annual religious gatherings on Earth.

Officials have urged pilgrims to be serious about precautions, especially during peak hours of the day. Temperatures are likely to touch deadly levels at those times.

Health authorities had advised pilgrims to carry umbrellas, drink water regularly, and not stay under the sun for long. Moreover, they should follow official health advice throughout the journey.

Saudi emergency services also reminded pilgrims that they can call 997 for quick help. Extreme heat has become one of the key operational and health challenges of modern-day Hajj seasons. This is especially true with the ongoing rise in global temperatures due to climate change.

Large crowds, long walks, physical exertion, and direct exposure to the sun increase pilgrims’ risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. In addition, older adults and people with underlying health conditions remain among the highest-risk groups.

For years, Saudi Arabia has been upgrading cooling systems, shaded walkways, misting stations, and water distribution points. Emergency medical facilities at key pilgrimage sites have also been enhanced.

Authorities also continue to mobilize thousands of medical staff and emergency responders to work on heat-related problems during the Hajj.

Saudi health officials have recorded numerous cases of heat stress and dehydration in previous seasons of pilgrimage. This is particularly common in the rites in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

So officials are ramping up awareness campaigns in several languages. This is to ensure international pilgrims are aware of the risks and the precautions they need to take.

The Saudi authorities also emphasized the need to follow regulated movement timings. Furthermore, pilgrims should rely on official pilgrimage services and transportation networks to avoid congestion and physical stress.

Officials are expanding the use of surveillance systems and real-time climate monitoring to improve emergency response. This will further enhance pilgrim safety throughout the Hajj season.

Religion scholars constantly remind pilgrims that health and safety are parts of the Islamic faith. This is especially important when performing physically demanding acts of worship, such as the Hajj.

Pilgrims prepare themselves not just mentally but physically for the journey to Saudi Arabia. The warning comes as Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its Hajj infrastructure. This effort is part of wider national development efforts to improve the pilgrim experience and safety.

The high temperatures are a challenge, but millions of Muslims are still expected to take part in Hajj 2026. The ritual will continue for centuries to come.

But it remains a pilgrimage that is spiritually meaningful for them. But in this year of prayer and devotion, getting ready for the high heat could be just as important.

Stay connected via Google News