Saudi warns of above-average heat during this year's Hajj

Saudi Arabia said that pilgrims can expect average high temperatures of 44˚C during the Hajj, which last year saw thousands of cases of heat stress.

"The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of one and a half to two degrees above normal in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah," national meteorology centre chief Ayman Ghulam told a press conference.

The forecast indicates "relative humidity 25 per cent, rain rates close to zero, average maximum temperature 44˚C," he said.

The Hajj, which begins on June 14, is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so. It involves a series of rituals completed over four days in Makkah and its surroundings in the west of Saudi Arabia.

Muslim worshippers pray around the Holy Kaaba on Wednesday. AFP

Last year more than 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj, official figures showed. More than 2,000 people suffered heat stress, according to Saudi authorities, after temperatures soared to 48˚C.

Officials in the Kingdom take steps to try to mitigate the effects of heat, including providing air-conditioned tents and misting systems.

A pilgrim prays at the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah. AFP

Ghulam told Tuesday's press conference there was "a need for sufficient quantities of water to cover daily consumption as temperatures rise." He also said food for pilgrims should be transported in refrigerators so it does not spoil.

Agence France-Presse