Last year, temperatures reached 43-45 degrees Celsius, affecting the health of pilgrims, especially the elderly, who are susceptible to heat-related issues like heat stroke and dehydration.

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology predicts maximum temperatures at holy sites to reach between 45-48 degrees Celsius this year.

The text discusses the health risks for elderly pilgrims during the Hajj due to rising temperatures.

Dr. Fakhr Al-Ayoubi explains how heat can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections or critical health conditions.

Therefore, it is recommended that pilgrims take precautions to stay hydrated, cool, and healthy during the pilgrimage.

The speaker, Al-Ayoubi, emphasized the importance of vaccinations before performing Hajj.

Vaccines protect individuals and communities by saving lives, preventing diseases, and keeping people safe.

A weakened immune system makes pilgrims more vulnerable to diseases, and vaccinations help safeguard their health, especially during Hajj when crowds make it easy for diseases to spread.

The Saudi government and Hajj authorities have taken steps to improve the Hajj experience for pilgrims, including expanding medical facilities, providing more rest areas, and enhancing transportation and logistics.

Imams and khatibs have been instructed to shorten Friday sermons and prayers due to extreme heat.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais explained that this decision follows the Islamic principle of easing hardships for worshippers during the Hajj season.

Al-Sudais emphasized the significance of clear and powerful messages during sermons.

In the past, he advised imams to decrease the length of recitation and shorten the time between the call to prayer (adhan) and the call to begin prayer (iqamah) during Hajj to help ease the strain on pilgrims, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable due to overcrowding.