Rabat – The Moroccan weather authority has issued a warning of high temperatures accompanied by the “Chergui” winds, as well as thunderstorms with hail and strong gusts of wind from Monday through Wednesday.
According to an orange-level alert, thunderstorms with hail and gusty winds are expected Monday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, and Taroudant, with rainfall amounts ranging between 20 and 40 millimeters.
At the same time, the country is expected to experience a heatwave with temperatures ranging between 44°C and 47°C in the provinces of Tata, Assa-Zag, Smara, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, and Oussard, from Monday to Wednesday.
Other areas are also likely to see high temperatures ranging from 39°C to 44°C on Monday, including cities such as Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Tangier, Tetouan, Nador, Al Hoceima, Khouribga, and Beni Mellal, among others.
Morocco has been experiencing unusually high temperatures in recent weeks, especially in its southern regions where the Chergui wind, a hot, dry wind from the Sahara, has intensified the heat.
This has raised concerns over increased risk of wildfires and heat-related health issues for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children.
Similar heatwaves have been reported in Southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and Greece, where temperatures have soared past 40°C in several areas.
Scientists link these extreme conditions to climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. The effects are already being felt, including the rise of energy consumption due to air conditioning, stress on crops under prolonged high heat, and the risk of forest fires escalates.
Experts warn that without proper adaptation measures, including better water management and public health preparedness, the region could face increasingly severe impacts from future heatwaves.
