Morocco is enduring an intense heatwave during the seasonal “Smaïm” period, with unprecedented temperatures affecting even coastal regions typically known for milder weather. According to the national meteorological service (DMN), maximum temperatures on August 12 were between 3°C and 17°C above the August decadal average.
Laâyoune set a new all-time record of 49.2°C on August 9, surpassing the 47°C mark recorded in 2016.
Meteorologist El Houcine Youaabed said the largest anomalies were logged in Larache (+17°C, 44°C recorded), Sidi Slimane (+13°C, 47°C), Marrakech (+11°C, 45°C), Bouarfa (+7°C, 44°C) and Smara (+8°C, 45°C).
Even Casablanca, Safi and Essaouira saw temperatures 5–8°C above normal due to weak sea breezes and the inland push of hot continental air.
The heatwave is driven by a Saharan “chergui” wind linked to a reinforced subtropical high and an active desert thermal low, channeling hot, dry air northward and intensified locally by föhn effects on the Atlas and Rif slopes. Maximums between August 13 and 16 are expected to reach 44–47°C in Tata, Assa-Zag, Smara, Boujdour and Oued Eddahab; 42–44°C in Fez, Meknes, Sidi Slimane, Beni Mellal, Marrakech, Taroudant and Guelmim; and 38–42°C in some southern Atlantic coastal zones.
While Atlantic coasts and northern regions may cool slightly early next week, interior plains, the southeast and eastern Saharan provinces will remain hot. The DMN advises avoiding direct sun exposure at peak hours, staying hydrated, and steering clear of wadis and slopes in areas with possible thunderstorms and flash floods.
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