What Causes The Saudi Government To Issue An Urgent Hajj Travel Advisory?

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Rising temperatures trigger a Saudi government advisory for pilgrims heading to Hajj, cautioning against extreme heat in Mecca.

Accu Weather and Saudi Goverment predictions for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah suggest exceptionally high temperatures, with an average high of 48ºC forecasted by officials from the National Meteorology Centre. This marks an increase of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal for both Makkah and Madinah.

Peak afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 48ºC, with relative humidity around 25%. Despite the general low probability of rain during most of the pilgrimage, meteorologists anticipate a 60% chance of significant rainfall, particularly heavy showers over the elevated areas of Taif, which could impact the sacred sites.

The Hajj, set to begin on June 14, is an essential religious duty for all financially and physically able Muslims, involving several days of rites mostly conducted outdoors in Makkah and its surroundings.

According to AccuWeather, the harsh heatwave will persist throughout the Hajj, with daily temperatures forecasted as follows:

• June 14: 44ºC
• June 15: 45ºC
• June 16: 46ºC
• June 17: 43ºC
• June 18: 44ºC
• June 19: 44ºC

The Saudi government has issued a warning to travelers about severe heatwaves during the Hajj and stresses the importance of sustainability and protective measures against global warming. Over 18,00,000 people participated in last year’s Hajj, with over 1,800 suffering from heat-related illnesses due to temperatures soaring nearly 48ºC.

TTW Editor in Cheif Anup Kumar Keshan: “As the travel and tourism industry experiences unprecedented growth, the urgency for sustainability becomes paramount. The sector’s significant environmental impacts necessitate a shift towards sustainable operations to preserve its future viability and reduce its ecological footprint. With climate change impacting destinations through phenomena like rising sea levels and severe weather conditions, adopting sustainable practices is essential for providing safe and responsible travel experiences. Major global players such as Hilton, Marriott, Delta, Indigo, Qatar, Emirates, and IHG are demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, but the industry as a whole must intensify these efforts. It is critical to broaden the adoption of sustainable practices, invest in eco-friendly technologies, and enhance partnerships to address environmental challenges. Additionally, as the landscape of global travel evolves, virtual travel could emerge as an important facet of tourism’s future. Nonetheless, there remains a substantial amount of work to be done to fully integrate sustainability into the travel and tourism sector.”

To alleviate the impact of the extreme heat, Saudi authorities have taken steps including providing air-conditioned tents and cooling mists. They also underscore the necessity of having ample water supplies to meet daily consumption needs and the importance of refrigerated transport for food to ensure it remains fresh.

This year could mark the last Hajj during the summer months, as the Islamic lunar calendar, shorter by about 11 days than the solar year, shifts the event earlier each year.

In addition, Saudi Arabia started a cloud-seeding program two years ago in areas like Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail to enhance the scant annual rainfall, which typically does not exceed 100 millimeters.

These efforts are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which aims to reform the kingdom’s economy and increase the number of pilgrims attending Hajj and Umrah annually to 30 million, significantly up from the current figures. This plan also focuses on sustainability initiatives to combat the effects of global warming, reflecting a proactive approach to environmental challenges.

According to a recent analysis by AccuWeather, global temperatures from 2030 to 2100 could rise significantly more than current climate models predict. Certain land regions may see average temperature increases of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 30 to 40 years, with places like India, where temperatures have already exceeded 120 degrees Fahrenheit, facing particular risks.

In the USA, record-breaking heat has been reported, with cities like Phoenix hitting new highs of 113°F (45°C) and Las Vegas reaching 111°F (43.8°C), signaling a trend of dangerously hot conditions across Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Europe is also grappling with an intense heatwave, with countries across the continent experiencing temperatures well above 40°C (104°F). Places like Rome, Cannes, and Malta have reported highs around 34°C.

In India, certain areas have reached peaks of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. With potential rises beyond 125 degrees Fahrenheit, these regions could become uninhabitable for extended periods without adequate cooling, posing severe health risks and potentially high death tolls, especially in countries like Pakistan and Iran as well.

Also Check: How Surging Global Warming Could Seize The International Travel Industry In The Next Decade?