Rabat — Morocco will face a spell of severe weather combined with a powerful heatwave from Friday to Monday, the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) has warned.
Citizens are advised to remain cautious as thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are expected in some regions, while other areas will experience record-high temperatures.
The DGM issued an orange-level alert for Friday afternoon and evening in several Moroccan provinces.
Khenifra, Khouribga, Settat, Youssoufia, Al Haouz, Marrakech, and Rehamna should prepare for thunderstorms with hail and gusty winds producing rainfall between 15 and 30 millimeters.
Residents in these areas are urged to take precautions and avoid exposure during the stormy hours.
At the same time, soaring temperatures will affect a broad range of provinces. On Friday, Ouezzane, Taounate, Sidi Kacem, Moulay Yacoub, Fez, Settat, Beni Mellal, Khouribga, Fquih Ben Salah, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, Rehamna, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Youssoufia, Taroudant, and Guelmim are expected to see highs between 42 and 46 °C.
Meanwhile, southern provinces such as Tata, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Boujdour, Aousserd, and Oued Ed-Dahab will face even more extreme temperatures, ranging from 44 to 47 °C, and this heat will persist until Monday.
The weekend will continue with intense heat across multiple regions. On Saturday and Sunday, temperatures between 43 and 47 °C are forecast for Ouezzane, Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Slimane, Sidi Kacem, Fquih Ben Salah, Settat, Rehamna, Marrakech, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, and Taroudant.
Other provinces and cities, including Tanger-Assilah, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Taounate, Moulay Yacoub, Khemisset, Sale, Khouribga, Khenifra, Settat, Benslimane, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Safi, Essaouira, Chichaoua, Al Haouz, and Guelmim, will record temperatures ranging from 40 to 44 °C.
From Sunday to Monday, northern and eastern provinces, including Fahs-Anjra, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Oujda-Angad, Berkane, Taourirt, Guercif, Taza, Nador, and Driouch will experience highs between 39 and 44 °C.
On Monday, these same highs are also expected in a large number of provinces across the central and southern regions.
The DGM reminds people should avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours or when storms approach, stay hydrated, and follow local alerts for any changes in conditions.
