Saudi government spokesperson warned that temperatures are expected to reach as high as 48 degrees Celsius as pilgrims prepare to participate in the Hajj this week Arab News reported.

The spokesperson for the Saudi health ministry Muhammad Al-Abdulaali stated that the high temperatures pose a significant challenge for this year’s Hajj season, which is scheduled to commence on June 14.

“The ministry is making all efforts to provide a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims in light of the harsh climatic conditions,” Al-Abdulaali said.

The ministry encouraged pilgrims to follow health guidelines to stay safe from the high temperatures. Measures like carrying umbrellas, staying hydrated, and taking breaks between rituals are crucial to prevent heat exhaustion.

The National Center for Meteorology predicted that temperatures in Makkah will be between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius, ranging from hot to very hot, with little chance of rain.

The Kingdom has been undertaking preparations to ensure a safe and seamless Hajj pilgrimage this year.

For the first time, a mobile control and monitoring center has been launched, equipped with sensors connected to the main roads. This system is designed to monitor and ensure smooth traffic flow within Makkah and the holy sites. By tracking public transport vehicles in real-time, the high-tech system will measure traffic density along the designated routes used for transporting pilgrims during the Hajj season.

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The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has deployed approximately 500 trained civilian security personnel. They will assist in organizing and managing the crowds throughout the Grand Mosque, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Trained teams will also be monitoring security and safety operations, protecting property and individuals, as well as overseeing the public facility systems within the Grand Mosque area.