As Muslims from all over the world congregate in the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East country’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued very strong heatwave warnings.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports millions of Muslims will observe the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia and according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims are already in the Middle East country with more said to join later.
Saudi Arabia, through NCM issued the heatwave warnings for Hajj 2025, urging pilgrims to take precautions amid soaring daytime temperatures between 40°C and 47°C.
The NCM forecasted challenging weather, including high temperatures, potential thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.
TNG reports that in 2024, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims from within and outside Saudi Arabia performed the Hajj pilgrimage.
At least 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died in the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage when humidity and heat pushed past survivable limits.
With temperatures projected to reach up to 47°C this year, Saudi authorities said that they are implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
According to the NCM, humidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 15 per cent and 60 per cent, potentially intensifying discomfort for pilgrims.
“Northerly to northwesterly winds, blowing at speeds of 25 to 35 km/h, may raise dust and significantly lower visibility, especially in open areas and along highways leading to the holy sites.
“Additionally, there is a possibility of thunderstorms forming over the Taif highlands between the 8th and 13th of Dhu Al Hijjah.
“This may extend to Mecca and surrounding areas, accompanied by strong downdrafts that could worsen dusty conditions.” it said.
In response to these forecasts, the NCM advised the pilgrims to take necessary precautions.
“Pilgrims are advised to stay well-hydrated, use protective gear such as umbrellas, and adhere to official weather updates.
“883 air conditioning units, 244 mist fans, and 3,139 ventilation fans have been installed throughout the holy sites to enhance comfort amid the desert heat.
“Additionally, 432 fragrance diffusers will infuse the air with calming aromas, enhancing the overall atmosphere of tranquillity and reverence,” it said.
It said that the recently inaugurated cooled pedestrian walkway in Makkah was part of the broader “Cooled Roads Initiative”.
“It is aimed at reducing surface temperatures and enhancing comfort for the millions of pilgrims during the intense summer heat.
“Mobility has also been addressed with the deployment of 400 electric carts, providing additional support for elderly and physically limited pilgrims in completing their rites.” It said.
On the health precautions, the Saudi Ministry of Health had confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.
According to the ministry, all affected individuals received immediate medical attention and are currently in stable condition.
“Health teams are on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.
“Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst.
“If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke. a life-threatening medical emergency within 10 to 15 minutes,” the health ministry said.
To combat heatstroke risks, the ministry announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.
Soaring temperature: NAHCON advises pilgrims to stay in tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Meanwhile, NAHCON has advised pilgrims to stay in their tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to soaring daytime temperatures during the pilgrimage.
Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Makkah on Sunday.
Saleh said NAHCON had a stakeholders’ meeting where all the Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards were mandated to tell their pilgrims that no pilgrim would be allowed out of their tents in Mina and Arafat due to soaring temperature.
“Yesterday we called all the stakeholders. We met with them and mandated them to announce and tell their people that nobody is allowed to be out of the tent from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.
“It is not advised to go out because the temperature is not normal this year. We also advised them to continue drinking water.
“If it is necessary to be outside, let them go with water in hand. Let them take their umbrellas and use them, just because the temperature is not normal.
The NAHCON chairman urged the media to help the commission to disseminate the information to the pilgrims to adhere to the heatwave warnings.
“So, media, please you are our eyes, you are our voice to the public. Help us tell our people to regard this instruction”.
NAHCON secures accreditation for main outpost clinics in Makkah
Also, NAHCON had earlier disclosed it has secured accreditation for all its main and outpost clinics in Makkah for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Shafii Muhammed, in Makkah on Thursday.
Muhammed said that the commission made the announcement following the successful completion of the accreditation processes.
Meanwhile, Dr Akeem Alawode, the Head of the National Medical Team (NMT), who disclosed the successful completion of the processes, commended the professionalism and dedication of the medical team.
“On behalf of the Head of Mission and other principal officers of the National Medical Team, I thank Allah for the successful accreditation of all our main and outpost clinics in Makkah.
“All our clinics are now fully operational without any restrictions,” Alawode said.
TNG reports approximately 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected for the 2025 Hajj.