Mecca temperatures forecast to reach 43°C during peak Hajj season

Extreme heat is forecast to persist in Mecca as the peak Hajj rituals begin tomorrow, Monday (25 May). According to the Early Warning System (EWS) of Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), temperatures are expected to reach 43°C during midday. Weather data for Sunday (24 May) recorded morning temperatures around 30°C, sharply rising to 43°C by midday. Afternoon temperatures are projected at 39°C, dropping to 36°C overnight. Monday’s forecast indicates a minimum of 30°C and maximum of 43°C, with average humidity at 23% RH and wind speeds of 12 km/h. Kemenhaj classifies temperatures between 40-45°C as “severe heat”. Pilgrims are advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly during peak heat hours. Elderly pilgrims and those with pre-existing conditions are urged to pray in hotels and minimise outdoor movement. Protective gear such as masks, umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, and footwear is recommended for outdoor activities. Hydration is critical, with regular consumption of water, oral rehydration salts, and Zamzam water to prevent dehydration. Earlier, Inspector General of Kemenhaj Dendi Suryadi stated that extreme heat is a major challenge during this year’s Hajj peak, with temperatures in Saudi Arabia during Armuzna potentially reaching 47°C. “Indonesian pilgrims’ movement on 8 Dzulhijjah, Monday (25 May) at 07:00 WAT, is a critical phase,” he noted. The government has deployed personnel at key locations in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina to manage crowd density and extreme weather impacts during the Hajj peak. The peak Hajj rituals commence tomorrow, with Indonesian pilgrims scheduled to move from hotels to Arafah for the wukuf ceremony. On 9 Dzulhijjah (Tuesday, 26 May), pilgrims will perform wukuf at Arafah before proceeding to Muzdalifah and Mina in the evening. Of the total pilgrims, 71,262 opted for ADAHI payment in Saudi Arabia, 26,901 performed dam (atonement) in Indonesia, and 2,105 chose fasting as dam. A total of 1,849,680 packages have been prepared for the main Armuzna days (8-12 Dzulhijjah). Approximately 4,323 Hajj pilgrims from Aceh have already departed for Mecca. Kemenhaj will deploy Indonesian pilgrims to Arafah in three waves starting tomorrow (8 Dzulhijjah). Latest operational data shows 527 flights carrying 202,551 pilgrims and 2,098 officials have landed in Makkah. Kemenhaj’s Head of Public Relations Moh. Hasan Afandi conveyed deep condolences from the entire Saudi Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH). Kemenhaj is tightening tent arrangements in Arafah to ensure fair, orderly, and equal service for all 2026 pilgrims. He added that the Hajj Oversight Team and DPR Commission VIII will closely monitor technical arrangements for tents and facilities in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).