Makkah Al-Mukarramah, May 25,2026: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims have continued to arrive in the holy city of Makkah for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, undeterred by soaring temperatures, regional instability, and warnings of extreme heat conditions.
With temperatures forecast to reach up to 48°C this week, worshippers from around the world are gathering to perform the annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory religious duty for all physically and financially able Muslims.
The pilgrimage officially takes place from May 25 to 30 and is expected to draw more than a million devotees to a series of outdoor rituals centered around Makkah and nearby sacred sites.
Ahead of the formal rites, pilgrims have been seen gathering at the Masjid al-Haram, engaging in prayers, Quran recitation, and spiritual preparation for the demanding days ahead.
Many pilgrims described the intense desert heat as a major challenge. First-time Egyptian pilgrim Inas Gamal said she had to limit outdoor activity due to extreme temperatures, spending much of the day in air-conditioned accommodation.
British pilgrim Imad Ahmed said staying hydrated was essential as pilgrims move continuously between sacred sites under direct sunlight.
A number of rituals require long hours outdoors, including Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwa, travel to Mina, and the spiritual gathering at Mount Arafat — the most significant day of Hajj.
After sunset at Arafat, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have deployed extensive measures to protect pilgrims from heat-related risks. Cooling systems, misting fans, shaded pathways, and chilled water distribution points have been set up across pilgrimage zones.
The Saudi Health Ministry said more than 50,000 medical personnel and 3,000 ambulances have been mobilized for emergency response during the pilgrimage season.
Officials reported that dozens of heatstroke cases were already treated before the start of the main rituals, amid concerns of a repeat of last year’s severe heatwave fatalities.
In 2024, more than 1,300 pilgrims reportedly died during Hajj after temperatures exceeded 50°C, according to Saudi authorities.
Medical teams have urged pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight, use umbrellas, and maintain constant hydration to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly during outdoor rituals at Arafat where shade is limited.
Despite the harsh conditions, the spiritual atmosphere in Makkah remains strong, with thousands of pilgrims continuing to perform prayers around the clock under the illuminated surroundings of the Grand Mosque.
As the pilgrimage progresses, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely while ensuring logistical and medical support for worshippers undertaking one of the most significant religious journeys in Islam.
