Morocco is currently experiencing an exceptional heatwave, driven by a local weather phenomenon known as “Chergui”—a hot, dry wind originating from the Sahara Desert. This condition has emerged due to the northward expansion of a Saharan thermal low-pressure system, affecting large parts of the country.
Extreme Temperatures Reported
According to Houcine Youaabed, spokesperson for the National Meteorology Directorate, the phenomenon involves the movement of hot, dry air masses from the Sahara toward Morocco, causing a significant and unusual spike in temperatures, especially in inland and southern regions.
On Thursday, several Moroccan cities recorded temperatures well above seasonal averages, with increases ranging from +5°C to +18°C:
-
Sidi Slimane: 45.4°C (+18°C above normal)
-
Rabat-Salé: 40.3°C (+16.3°C)
-
Nouaceur: 38.5°C
-
Casablanca: 34°C
Nighttime temperatures also remained unusually high, further underscoring the intensity of the heatwave.
Affected Areas and Forecast
The heatwave has spread widely across the country, including some coastal regions, where high humidity has increased the discomfort index.
Friday’s forecast calls for:
-
38°C to 44°C in regions like Gharb, Saïss, Tadla plains, and the south/southeast
-
23°C to 30°C in mountainous (Atlas) and coastal areas
-
30°C to 35°C in eastern Morocco, Souss, and southeastern slopes
-
36°C to 40°C in other inland regions
Cooling Trend Expected
Starting Saturday, a gradual drop in temperatures is expected in northern and coastal areas, while inland regionswill still experience warm to hot conditions. This cooling will be accompanied by unstable weather patterns, potentially resulting in:
-
Thunderstorms and hail
-
Strong wind gusts over the High and Middle Atlas mountains, nearby plains, phosphate plateaus, Chaouia, Gharb, southeastern areas, and western Saïss
By Sunday, instability will persist, with local fog formation expected along Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. A slight temperature drop is forecast for the start of the week, but heat will return gradually by Thursday, especially in the southern and southeastern regions.
Health Precautions Advised
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions, particularly children and the elderly:
-
Avoid direct sun exposure during peak heat hours
-
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
-
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
The heatwave highlights the increasing volatility of regional weather patterns and the need for adaptive public health responses during extreme weather events.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.