Saudi Arabia ramps up heat protection, medical services for Hajj pilgrims amid soaring temperatures
MINA: Saudi authorities have intensified heat protection and healthcare measures for pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj season, as temperatures in Makkah and surrounding holy sites are forecast to climb to 47 degrees Celsius, according to SPA reports.
The Saudi Ministry of Health urged pilgrims to regularly use umbrellas as a key preventive measure against heat exhaustion, sunstroke and dehydration during movement between the holy sites.
Health officials said umbrellas provide more than shade, lowering the ambient temperature around pilgrims by up to 10 degrees Celsius and reducing physical strain during the pilgrimage rituals.
The advisory comes as the National Center for Meteorology forecast stable but very hot daytime conditions along routes linking Madinah, Makkah and the holy sites, where massive pilgrim movements are underway before Hajj rituals begin on May 25.
