Pilgrims Begin Hajj Journey Amid Extreme Saudi Heat

JEDDAH: (Web Desk) – The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially began on Monday as pilgrims started arriving in Mina under intense desert heat. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that all operational and transportation arrangements had been completed to facilitate the smooth movement of worshippers to the tent city.

Pilgrims travelled from their accommodations in Makkah to Mina to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, the first major step of the sacred pilgrimage. Alongside hundreds of thousands of local pilgrims, more than 1.5 million international worshippers have reached the Kingdom to perform Hajj this year.

Following the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), pilgrims recited Talbiyah and prayers while heading toward Mina. Most Hajj rituals are performed outdoors, exposing worshippers to severe weather conditions that often result in heat exhaustion, fainting, and other medical emergencies.

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology forecast temperatures between 42°C and 47°C in Makkah during the pilgrimage period. For many visitors arriving from cooler regions, the harsh climate has become one of the biggest challenges of the journey.

Imad Ahmed, a pilgrim from Britain, said he constantly drinks water and mineral-rich beverages to stay hydrated because of continuous walking and heavy sweating. Authorities have implemented extensive cooling measures, including advanced air-conditioning systems around the Grand Mosque, mist fans, and cooled flooring to reduce heat exposure.

Cold drinking water is being distributed regularly among pilgrims, while many seek relief in shaded areas and indoor galleries equipped with giant fans. Ice cream stalls have also become crowded as pilgrims try to escape the extreme temperatures.

Mohamed Nabil, a professor from Algeria’s coastal city of Oran, described the weather in Makkah as extremely hot compared to the mild climate back home. He said he frequently splashes water on his face while walking nearly 30,000 steps daily around the holy city.

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Pilgrims are expected to face even tougher conditions during the key ritual at Mount Arafat, where shade is extremely limited. Saudi health authorities have deployed more than 50,000 medical workers and 3,000 ambulances to assist worshippers throughout the pilgrimage.

The health ministry revealed that dozens of heatstroke cases had already been treated before the main Hajj rituals began. Last year, more than 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives during extreme heat conditions when temperatures surpassed 50°C.

Speaking from a healthcare facility in Mina, health ministry official Jameel Abualenain stressed the importance of staying hydrated, using umbrellas, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.