Rabat – Morocco experienced one of its hottest autumns on record in 2024, ranking fourth in the country’s meteorological history, with November 2024 becoming the hottest November ever recorded in Morocco. according to the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM).
With an average temperature anomaly of +1.18°C compared to the 1991-2020 reference period, this season adds to a concerning trend of rising temperatures across the country.
Although this year’s autumn did not surpass the record-breaking heat of the previous year, which saw an anomaly of +1.65°C, it continued to reflect the ongoing effects of global climate change on Morocco’s weather patterns.
September and October 2024 saw near-average temperatures, with anomalies around +0.2°C, but November 2024 broke records with a staggering anomaly of +3.09°C, making it the hottest November in Moroccan history.
This dramatic spike reflects the intensifying impact of global warming and its growing influence on regional climates. Over the past decade, the country has faced an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, severe droughts, and unpredictable rainfall.
Rainfall has also been alarmingly scarce this year, with national averages ranging from just 31 mm to 627 mm, marking a sharp decline of over 40% compared to usual levels. Water reserves have plummeted to 75%, and underground water levels are rapidly depleting, deepening the crisis. These shifting conditions are reshaping Morocco’s climate while pushing further challenges for key sectors, particularly agriculture.
Heavily dependent on rain-fed farming, Morocco faces mounting difficulties as rising temperatures and dwindling water availability threaten crop yields, food security, and rural livelihoods.
With agriculture serving as a cornerstone of the economy, the impacts of this changing climate extend beyond rural areas, prompting the need for immediate action to adapt to these evolving struggles.
Urban areas are also grappling with the health risks of prolonged heat exposure and the increasing demand for water resources.
The latest findings come amid global calls for more decisive action to mitigate climate change. Morocco, often cited as a leader in renewable energy initiatives, continues to expand its solar and wind energy projects.
However, some argue that adaptation measures, including water conservation and sustainable farming practices, must also be prioritized to protect communities from the immediate effects of a warming planet.
With the climate crisis becoming more evident, Morocco’s policymakers and citizens must accelerate efforts to confront these environmental challenges and safeguard the country’s future.
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