Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims that they may encounter a temperature of 44 degrees during the hajj pilgrimage.
According to the national meteorological authority, the average temperature is expected to be one and a half to two degrees higher than normal in Mecca and Medina.
Hajj, which begins on June 14, is one of the five pillars of Islam that forms the foundation of the religion. Every Muslim who can afford it is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
During the pilgrimage, various rituals are performed. For example, pilgrims walk seven times around the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque.
Last year, over 1.8 million Muslims participated, according to official figures. Over 2,000 people suffered from heatstroke after the temperature rose to 48 degrees – and at least 240 people are reported to have died.
