A new analysis warns that climate change is significantly increasing the risks faced by millions of Muslim pilgrims attending the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

According to the report, global warming driven by fossil fuel emissions has fundamentally altered the local climate, making extreme heat conditions far more frequent and severe than in past decades.

Temperatures reaching around 40°C (104°F), which previously would have been typical only during the peak of summer, are now being regularly recorded as early as May.

Researchers indicate that this trend is making the pilgrimage increasingly dangerous due to heat stress, dehydration, and other heat-related health risks.

The study highlights that without a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels, Hajj could be exposed to dangerous heat conditions almost year-round by the end of the century.

This raises serious concerns for the safety of millions of pilgrims who gather in Mecca each year to perform religious rituals that often involve long periods outdoors in dense crowds.

The report also places the issue in a broader geopolitical and environmental context, noting that Saudi Arabia—one of the world’s largest oil producers—plays a significant role in global energy markets and climate policy debates.

The findings emphasize the intersection between climate change, public health, and religious practices, showing how rising temperatures are no longer just an environmental issue but also a direct threat to major cultural and spiritual events.Researchers stress the urgency of reducing carbon emissions to prevent worsening conditions in the coming decades.