Doctors urge Moroccans to take precautions as heat wave raises health risks

Moroccan health experts are urging the public to follow strict safety precautions as an intense heat wave is expected to grip large parts of the country over the coming days, warning that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to serious health complications, including death, particularly among children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

The Directorate General of Meteorology has issued an orange-level weather alert forecasting temperatures ranging between 38 and 45 degrees Celsius in several provinces from Sunday, June 28, through Wednesday, July 1.

Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and researcher specializing in health policy and systems, warned that heat waves can cause severe dehydration, heatstroke, or both if preventive measures are not taken.

“These conditions can result in serious health complications and may even be fatal,” Hamdi told Hespress.

He said everyone is at risk during extreme heat, but older adults and young children are particularly vulnerable because they are less able to regulate body temperature.

Hamdi advised people not to wait until severe symptoms appear before taking precautions. Warning signs include fatigue, dizziness, intense thirst, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and loss of consciousness.

He recommended drinking water and other fluids regularly, even without feeling thirsty, while also consuming natural fruit juices, soups, fruits and vegetables rich in water and minerals. He advised limiting tea, coffee and sugary drinks, which can contribute to fluid loss.

For vulnerable groups, Hamdi suggested taking several showers throughout the day or cooling the body with water sprays, particularly on the face, limbs and torso, while using fans to help reduce body temperature.

He also recommended eating smaller, lighter meals throughout the day, with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables that help maintain hydration without placing excessive strain on the digestive system.

To keep homes cooler, Hamdi advised closing windows during the hottest hours of the day to block hot air and opening them at night and early in the morning to improve ventilation. Air conditioning or fans should be used whenever possible.

He further recommended avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, generally between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless absolutely necessary. Those who must go outside should wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing, use hats for sun protection and seek shade whenever possible.

Hamdi also warned against leaving children, older adults, patients or people with disabilities inside parked vehicles, even briefly, because temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

He urged hospitals and elderly care facilities to provide air-conditioned spaces or rotate residents through cooled rooms to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

Pediatrician Moulay Saïd Afif also stressed that children are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat and advised parents to avoid taking them outdoors between noon and 4 p.m.

Children should wear protective hats and lightweight cotton clothing and drink water regularly to prevent dehydration, he said.

Afif also urged motorists to use vehicle air conditioning carefully by opening windows before exiting to reduce sudden temperature changes.

For families planning outdoor activities, he recommended swimming during the morning or after 4:30 p.m., avoiding the hottest part of the day.

The pediatrician also emphasized proper food storage during hot weather, advising families not to consume dairy products or other foods that have not been refrigerated to reduce the risk of food poisoning, which becomes more common during the summer months.

He encouraged parents to apply sunscreen to children and reapply it every two hours during sun exposure to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.

According to Afif, infants younger than three months and adults over the age of 65 remain the groups most vulnerable to heat-related complications and require special care during periods of extreme temperatures.

Health experts say following these basic preventive measures remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses as Morocco prepares for several days of exceptionally hot weather.