Following a scorching heatwave, Makkah was blessed with heavy rainfall, bringing relief to over a million Muslim pilgrims enduring the annual Hajj. The holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and the plain of Arafat experienced substantial downpours, significantly easing the intense heat.
The rainfall was a welcome respite after temperatures soared, with reports of up to 51.8°C (125°F) at the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims expressed gratitude for the comfortable environment during the ongoing Hajj rituals.
Meanwhile, 2,764 cases of heat exhaustion were recorded by the Saudi health ministry on Sunday, highlighting the significance of adopting the appropriate preventative measures to avert heat-related illnesses. The ministry responded by releasing advice asking pilgrims to seek out shade, stay hydrated, and use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.
This year’s pilgrimage has drawn over 1.8 million participants from over 90 countries, supported by comprehensive security and logistics overseen by King Salman Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
