More than one million Muslim pilgrims have begun the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, amid sweltering weather conditions.
The event marks one of the most significant religious gatherings in the world, requiring massive logistical coordination to protect participants from heat-related illnesses and security risks.
Temperatures in the city have hit 42 °C [4]. This extreme heat coincides with the arrival of more than 1.5 million pilgrims [1]. Some reports indicate that over one million Muslims have officially started the rituals [2], while overall projections suggest nearly 2 million people are preparing to embark on the journey [3].
Saudi officials are managing the crowds as the pilgrimage proceeds. The start of the event has been reported on different days this week, with some sources citing Monday and others citing Wednesday [1], [2]. However, official visual guides list May 25, 2026, as the start date [3].
The gathering occurs against a backdrop of regional security concerns and war [1]. Despite these tensions, the pilgrimage is moving forward as scheduled. The scale of the event is highlighted by the sheer volume of people arriving in the city, many wearing the traditional white ihram garments, to perform the rites in the heat.
Local authorities continue to monitor the health of the participants as temperatures remain high. The combination of physical exertion and extreme weather creates a challenging environment for the millions of faithful who travel to the holy city each year.
“Temperatures in the city have hit 42 °C”
The 2026 Hajj highlights the increasing intersection of religious practice and climate risk. As temperatures in Saudi Arabia reach critical levels during peak pilgrimage dates, the Saudi government faces a growing necessity to implement advanced cooling infrastructure and health protocols to prevent mass casualties from heatstroke among millions of visitors.
