Morocco is expected to experience an intense heatwave in the coming days, with temperatures rising significantly, about 8 to 15 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages across several regions of the kingdom. Houcine Youabed, Communications Officer at the General Directorate of Meteorology, explains which areas will be affected by this heatwave and offers advice on how to mitigate its potential impacts. When will the anticipated heatwave hit Morocco? According to the latest updates and numerical weather prediction models from the Directorate, Morocco is expected to face a severe heatwave, locally known as «Chergui», starting this Saturday. This phenomenon will impact vast areas across the country. What are the expected highest temperatures, and where? Temperatures are forecasted to reach between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius in the southeastern regions, southern provinces, Souss, Saiss, Tadla plains, Rahamna, and Chiadma. Meanwhile, the plains near the western High Atlas and the eastern regions will see temperatures ranging from 39 to 45 degrees Celsius. The highest official temperature ever recorded in Morocco was 50.4 degrees Celsius in Agadir on August 11, 2023, according to records from the General Directorate of Meteorology. Based on the latest climate model projections, temperatures are not expected to surpass 50 degrees overall, although some areas could approach 48 degrees, underscoring the intensity of this heatwave. So this will affect most regions of the kingdom? Yes, this heatwave will impact nearly all regions, stretching from the southeast through the southern provinces, Souss, Saiss, the plains near the Atlas Mountains, and even the Atlantic plains and coastline, making it a widespread event. The heatwave is expected to persist from Saturday through Tuesday, with temperatures gradually easing starting Wednesday, according to the latest forecasts. Have any local temperature records been set during this time of year? Yes, several weather stations have recorded monthly record highs in June. For instance, Taroudant hit 47.9°C on June 23, 2017; Smara reached 47.5°C on June 27, 2012; Sidi Slimane recorded 47.4°C on June 24, 2017; and Marrakech saw 46.9°C on June 26, 2012. Agadir also recorded 46.8°C on June 24, 2017, among other high temperatures. Scientifically, what explains this rise in temperature? The main driver is the «Chergui» phenomenon, caused by a Saharan low-pressure system extending toward Morocco and bringing hot, dry air masses from the Sahara Desert. This leads to a sharp temperature increase in affected areas such as the southern provinces, Souss, Tadla, Rahamna, Saiss, the eastern region, the southeast, and the plains west of the Atlas Mountains. These regions are either surrounded by the Atlas mountain ranges or located far from the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea, making them more vulnerable to continental heatwaves. Additionally, the temperature rise in the interior plains near the Atlas is intensified by the Foehn effect—warm, dry winds descending from the highlands after losing moisture while crossing the mountains. What advice do you have for citizens to stay safe during this extreme heat? People are advised to be cautious by avoiding prolonged direct sun exposure, staying well hydrated, and protecting those most vulnerable to heat stress and sunstroke. These measures are essential to maintain public health and safety during the heatwave.
