Morocco endured blistering heat on Tuesday, with four of its cities among the 15 hottest places on the planet, according to figures from weather tracking platform Eldorado Weather.
In Essaouira, the mercury soared to 47.9°C, the second-highest temperature recorded worldwide.
Taroudant followed in sixth place at 47.2°C, while Smara registered 47.1°C to claim seventh place. Safi also joined the list, ranking 11th with 46.5°C.
The highest temperature of the day came from Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia, which hit 48.9°C. Other Saudi cities, Al Qaisumah, Medina, and Rafha, also appeared in the top 10, underscoring the severe heat gripping the region.
Ahvaz in Iran, Abu Samrah in Qatar, and Aswan in Egypt also reported punishing highs, painting a picture of a heatwave stretching across the Middle East and North Africa.
Such appearances are becoming more common for Morocco.
Morocco has faced intense heat in recent days, with several regions recording temperatures well above seasonal norms.
Cities from the coast to the interior have sweltered under relentless sun, and forecasts suggest the scorching conditions may persist, adding strain to daily life and raising concerns over health and safety.
At the end of June, Ben Guerir, Kenitra, and Taroudant all exceeded 45°C, while Smara reached 46.9°C the following day, edging past Marrakech and Ben Guerir.
The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) urged residents to protect themselves, advising them to stay in cool places when possible and to shield themselves from direct sunlight.
