Scorched in Mecca: The Unrelenting Heat of the Hajj The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca has long been a spiritual rite for millions of Muslims worldwide, but this year's gathering is taking place under extreme conditions.
Temperatures are soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104°F), forcing pilgrims to battle the blistering heat with unconventional means. Pilgrims have taken to using ice cream and giant fans as makeshift cooling devices.
The Saudi authorities have deployed air conditioning systems in the Grand Mosque's courtyards, while trucks distribute free water bottles and mist sprayers attempt to mitigate the searing heat.