Unprecedented heat wave in Morocco pushes temperatures above 40°C across the country

Morocco experienced an intense and unusually widespread heat wave from Friday, June 27, to Monday, June 30, 2025, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in more than 20 regions across the country, according to the General Directorate of Meteorology.

The heat wave, locally known as chergui, was described as one of the most severe weather events recorded in recent years, marked not only by extreme temperatures but also by its expansion into typically temperate coastal areas, officials said.

Houcine Youaabed, head of communications at the General Directorate of Meteorology, told local media that the event was exceptional in both scale and intensity. He noted that regions like Doukkala, Chaouia, Gharb, and Loukkos, which usually benefit from the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, saw temperatures exceed seasonal averages by 10 to 20 degrees.

The phenomenon was driven by weakened cold sea currents and the dominance of hot, dry air masses originating from the interior of the country, a pattern characteristic of chergui conditions, Youaabed explained.

While Morocco’s interior regions are no strangers to summer heat, the recent spike impacted nearly all inland areas, including the southeastern provinces, Souss Valley, the eastern highlands, and the Saïs region, marking it as a nationwide climatic anomaly.

Temperatures Reach 47°C, Relief Expected Midweek

Meteorological services forecast continued extreme heat into Monday and Tuesday, with maximum daytime temperatures expected to range between 41°C and 47°C in northern and central plains, parts of the eastern interior, and southern Rif.

Mountainous regions such as the Atlas and Rif ranges are expected to see relatively milder conditions, with highs between 30°C and 35°C.

Coastal areas remained the least affected, with temperatures averaging below 30°C.

The weather agency also warned of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in the High and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges. A gradual drop in temperatures is expected to begin Tuesday in coastal and northern plain regions, with further relief anticipated by Friday in central and eastern inland areas.

Climate Change Concerns Grow

The scale and intensity of the current heat wave have reignited concerns over the increasing frequency and severity of such events in Morocco. Experts are warning of significant long-term consequences linked to climate change, including threats to agriculture, water resources, and public health.

“This event reinforces the pattern we’ve been seeing, heat waves are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more geographically widespread,” Youaabed said.

The General Directorate of Meteorology continues to monitor the situation closely and urges residents to take precautions, particularly vulnerable populations in heat-affected areas.