Extreme Heat Challenges Hajj Pilgrimage

Summary:
On June 17, 2024, Mecca recorded an unprecedented temperature of 51.8°C during the hajj pilgrimage, posing significant health risks to the millions of pilgrims present. Many volunteers distributed water, cold drinks, fruit, and ice creams to help alleviate the intense heat. The extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change, led to severe heat stress and reportedly caused over 500 fatalities, though numbers vary by source. Saudi authorities assisted over 2,000 people with heat-related health issues. The hajj, a critical religious event in Islam, occurs once a year and draws 2 to 3 million participants. This year’s extreme temperatures highlight the growing impact of climate change on religious practices and the urgent need for measures to protect pilgrims.