Morocco’s southern provinces are facing an intense heatwave that has pushed temperatures to unusually high levels, slowing daily life and raising health concerns for children, elderly people, chronic disease patients and outdoor workers.
The General Directorate of Meteorology issued an orange alert warning that the heatwave will continue until Thursday, with temperatures expected to range between 45°C and 47°C in Aousserd, Oued Ed-Dahab, Boujdour, Es-Semara and Assa-Zag. Inland areas of Laayoune, Tarfaya and Tan-Tan are expected to record between 40°C and 43°C.
Houssine Youabed, communication officer at the meteorology directorate, told Hespress that the heat is driven by the extension of a Saharan thermal low toward the north, bringing hot, dry air masses from the Sahara in a phenomenon known locally as “chergui.”
He said temperatures have exceeded seasonal averages by five to 13 degrees, with Es-Semara recording the country’s highest level at 47°C. Other cities, including Guelmim, Taroudant and Marrakech, recorded between 43°C and 44°C.
Health professionals warn that direct exposure during peak afternoon hours can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, while worsening chronic heart, respiratory and kidney conditions. High nighttime temperatures, ranging between 25°C and 32°C in some southern areas, also make it harder for the body to recover.
In the southern provinces, street activity has dropped during the hottest hours, while workers in construction, transport and services are adjusting or shortening schedules to avoid direct sun exposure.
Khadija El Bazzawi, president of the Jisr Health Association, urged residents to avoid going out between noon and 5 p.m., drink water regularly and keep vulnerable people in well-ventilated spaces.
She said warning signs such as dry skin, dry mouth, dizziness, confusion or severe weakness require immediate medical attention. She also warned against leaving children or elderly people inside parked cars, even briefly.
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