A heatwave is set to grip large parts of Morocco this week, with temperatures expected to soar between 38°C and 45°C (100°F to 113°F) from Monday through Wednesday, especially in inland provinces in the center, east, and southeast of the country.
According to Morocco’s National Meteorological Directorate, the heat surge is driven primarily by the expansion of a desert thermal low-pressure system toward the northern and central regions of the kingdom, a phenomenon typical during seasonal transitions.
Houcine Youaabed, spokesperson for the meteorological service, told Hespress that the heatwave stems from “dry, hot air masses blowing from the Sahara Desert and southeastern regions toward central and northern Morocco.” These conditions, he explained, contribute to sharp temperature increases, especially in inland provinces far from the tempering influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The situation has also been intensified by a weakening of the Azores High toward western Europe, allowing the hot air masses to move further north following a relatively mild weather period, Youaabed added.
Geography and Wind Patterns Behind the Heat
Youaabed explained that the hardest-hit regions, including parts of the southern provinces, Souss, Tadla, Rehamna, Saïss, the eastern region, the Moulouya Valley, and the southeastern areas, are directly exposed to hot, dry “chergui” winds blowing from the east and southeast.
“These areas are either surrounded by the Atlas Mountains or located far from coastal moderating influences, making them more vulnerable to extreme continental heat,” he said. The rise in temperatures in interior plains near the Atlas is also attributed to the “Foehn effect,” where descending winds lose moisture crossing the mountains and warm up as they sink.
A Normal Shift, But an Alarming Trend
When asked whether the current heatwave is simply part of the natural seasonal transition or part of a broader trend, Youaabed said: “This wave is normal for this time of year and is largely driven by the chergui phenomenon.”
However, he warned that heatwaves in Morocco are becoming more frequent and intense: “In recent years, we’ve observed a clear shift in the frequency and severity of heatwaves.” He pointed to the exceptional heat in 2022 and 2023, when Morocco experienced record-breaking temperatures, including an all-time national high of 50.4°C (122.7°F) in Agadir on August 11, 2023.
“This trend aligns with findings from the World Meteorological Organization, which highlight the accelerating impacts of climate change at both regional and global levels,” he said.
Health Precautions Issued
In light of the extreme conditions, the Meteorological Directorate is urging people to avoid direct sun exposure during midday hours, stay in shaded areas, and drink plenty of water and fluids. It also advised extra vigilance for children and the elderly and warned against leaving children unattended in enclosed spaces or vehicles. Outdoor workers should also take necessary precautions to stay safe.
The agency issued an orange-level weather alert on Saturday, forecasting temperatures between 42°C and 45°C in several provinces, including Taounate, Oued Ed-Dahab, Ouezzane, Larache, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Smara, Tata, Zagora, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Kelaat Sraghna, Marrakech, Rehamna, Khémisset, Beni Mellal, Fqih Ben Salah, and Moulay Yacoub.
Meanwhile, temperatures between 38°C and 42°C are expected in the provinces of Guelmim, Taroudant, Ben Slimane, Berrechid, Khouribga, Settat, Chichaoua, Salé, Skhirat-Témara, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Meknes, Errachidia, Khénifra, Fes, Guercif, and Taza.
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