Heat & hydration.
Hajj 2024 killed 1,300+ pilgrims to heat. Most of it was preventable.
Air temperature in Makkah is climbing toward 47°C / 117°F. Ground surfaces are 15–20°C hotter. Drink water now. Do not walk in open sun. Seek shade.
- Drink 250–500 ml of water now, even if not thirsty. Sip continuously, don't gulp.
- Add an ORS sachet to one bottle of water if you're walking today.
- Open your white umbrella before stepping outside. The single most impactful thing you can do.
- Wet a small towel, wear it around your neck.
- Stay on shaded walkways: the Mashaer Metro corridors, tunnel routes, and tented paths are all air-conditioned.
- Eat light. Heavy meals divert blood to digestion and worsen heat tolerance.
- Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks — they are mildly dehydrating. Water and ORS are the answer.
Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, cool and clammy skin, rapid weak pulse. Move to shade, loosen clothing, sip cool water, cold compress on neck and armpits. Improve within 30 minutes? Continue. If not — seek medical help.
No sweat, hot dry skin, body temperature above 40°C, confusion, slurred speech, seizures, loss of consciousness. This is an emergency. Cool the person any way possible — ice on neck, armpits, groin — and call 997 (Saudi Red Crescent) immediately.
Mina → Arafat is 14 km. Muzdalifah → Mina is 7–10 km. One tawaaf circuit is 1.2 km. Your shoes matter more than almost anything else you packed. If they're new, expect blisters by day two. Pre-Hajj walking training over 3-4 months is one of the most-cited "wish I had done" items in pilgrim accounts.
- White umbrella always. A black umbrella absorbs heat — defeats the purpose.
- Wide-brim hat for non-ihram. In ihram (men) — umbrella only; head must stay uncovered.
- Two bottles of water minimum. One frozen the night before, one room-temp.
- Mist spray. A small atomiser to spray face and neck reduces felt temperature 5°C+.
- Walk in pairs. Heat collapse is sudden. Someone with you matters.