2026 Hajj: S/Arabia notifies pilgrims of extreme heat

The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology has warned pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise to prepare for extreme heat conditions, with temperatures expected to rise as high as 47 degrees Celsius during the pilgrimage period. The agency urged pilgrims to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, especially during outdoor religious activities in Makkah […]

The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology has warned pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise to prepare for extreme heat conditions, with temperatures expected to rise as high as 47 degrees Celsius during the pilgrimage period.

The agency urged pilgrims to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, especially during outdoor religious activities in Makkah and surrounding holy sites.

According to the advisory, pilgrims were encouraged to carry umbrellas while moving between locations and to drink water regularly to remain hydrated.

Authorities also advised pilgrims to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak daytime hours and to follow health and safety instructions issued by Saudi officials throughout the Hajj exercise.

The Saudi emergency response number, 997, was also circulated for pilgrims requiring urgent medical assistance.

The warning comes as millions of pilgrims from across the world continue arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.