With an average temperature of 44 degrees Celsius and with pilgrims performing a series of rituals, sunstroke and heat stress can become quite common.
As the Hajj season commences later this week, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has issued a warning, saying that significant rise in temperatures is one of the major challenges for pilgrims this year.
Ministry spokesperson Muhammad al-Abdulaali said high temperatures “pose a threat to the health of the pilgrims,” according to a Saudi Press Agency statement on Tuesday.
The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who are capable of doing so.
This year’s Hajj begins on Friday, June 14.
The National Center for Meteorology has warned that this Hajj will see an increase in average temperatures by up to one-and-a-half degrees in Mecca and at the other holy sites. The Center has also warned against the probability of heatwaves.
The center said that pilgrims should expect average high temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius in Mecca where the weather will be hot to very hot during the day.
Al-Abdulaali said pilgrims must follow the health ministry’s guidelines such as carrying umbrellas to avoid direct exposure to the sun, drinking sufficient quantities of water, and making sure there are enough rest periods between rituals to reduce fatigue and heat stress.
He stressed the ministry was undertaking every effort to ensure the safety of the pilgrims in view of the harsh weather conditions.
Tips for a safe Hajj
With an average temperature of 44 degrees Celsius and with pilgrims performing a series of rituals, sunstroke and heat stress can become quite common.
The health ministry, in its safety guidelines, has termed sunstroke “a medical emergency” that must be treated by transferring the affected person to a cool place, providing the person with fluids and ensuring exposure to an air source such as an air-conditioner or a fan.
As for heat stress, the ministry said it occurs “when pilgrims are exposed to high temperatures for long periods, which results in intense sweating and the loss of a lot of water and salts in the body.”
Pilgrims are recommended to keep away from direct exposure to the sun, avoid heat and crowds and make sure to drink fluids.
In order to avoid dehydration while performing Hajj rituals:, the ministry recommended pilgrims to keep drinking enough water daily and to eat foods that are rich in water such as fruits and vegetables.
