World · Middle East · 5 hrs ago
Pilgrim describes dangerous heat during 2024 hajj in Mecca
During the 2024 hajj in Mecca, temperatures rose above 51C, as Zirrar Ali made the pilgrimage with his elderly father.
The hajj is a sacred Muslim pilgrimage that draws people from many places to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
On the Day of Arafat, Ali chose to take part outdoors while many people in his group stayed inside to avoid the heat.
Walking between ritual sites took much longer than expected because of traffic, and buses and cars added heat and fumes.
The heat became dangerous during the afternoon, when pilgrims could not get shade or drink water during prayer.
Climate change has made peak temperatures in Mecca about 2C hotter than in preindustrial times.
The account does not say what happened to Ali after this point.
Zirrar Ali says he and his elderly father faced dangerous heat during the 2024 hajj in Mecca.
Temperatures during the pilgrimage rose above 51C.
On the Day of Arafat, Ali says walking between sites in traffic and peak heat became dangerous.
The climate crisis has made peak temperatures in Mecca about 2C hotter than in preindustrial times.
Ali says he chose to continue outdoor rituals while members of his group sought shelter.
- Who
- Zirrar Ali and his elderly father, who joined him for the pilgrimage.
- What
- Ali describes dangerous heat during the 2024 hajj. Temperatures rose above 51C.
- When
- 2024. The article does not give the hajj’s full dates.
- Where
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia, including sites on the outskirts of the city.
- Why
- Ali and his father were taking part in the hajj, a sacred Muslim pilgrimage. The article links the heat to the climate crisis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ali flew to Medina and met his father.
Ali and other pilgrims went to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and walked seven rounds around the Kaaba.
Ali says the heat began to intensify within two hours of sunrise.
Ali says prayer took place during peak heat, when shade and rehydration were not available.
- Pilgrim
- Zirrar Ali
- Companion
- Ali’s elderly father
- Pilgrimage
- Hajj, 2024
- Temperature
- More than 51C
- Climate context
- Peak temperatures in Mecca about 2C higher than in preindustrial times
- Peak-heat period
- Midday to 4pm
What people are saying
I didn’t want to spend this blessed day indoors because of the heat.
The heat quickly becomes dangerous.
I’m going to be hot.