Morocco faces century's worst heat and drought, Moroccan Directorate

Morocco faces century's worst heat and drought, Moroccan Directorate
AFP
Wednesday 16 October 2024 - 19:41

Morocco experienced its hottest year on record in 2023, with average temperatures surpassing the 1981-2010 norm by 1.77 degrees Celsius, said the Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology in a report.

Daily temperatures remained above normal for 79% of the year, culminating in a new national record for the highest daily temperature of 50.4 degrees Celsius in Agadir.

In addition to extreme heat, the country also faced a severe drought, the longest in its modern history.

Rainfall levels were significantly below average across the country, with some regions experiencing a deficit of over 50%. This drought had a significant impact on agriculture and water resources.

Extreme weather events, such as thunderstorms, heatwaves, snowfall, and strong winds, also became more frequent in 2023.

The report attributed these extreme weather conditions to rising greenhouse gas concentrations, a global trend that has led to increasing temperatures worldwide.

Morocco’s diverse geography resulted in varying temperature ranges across different regions, but the overall impact of climate change was felt throughout the country.

The report underscores the urgent need for Morocco to adapt to the changing climate and implement measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture practices, improving water management, and promoting renewable energy sources.

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