A new weather alert forecasts a heatwave with temperatures ranging between 44 and 47 degrees Celsius in several provinces across Morocco.
The General Directorate of Meteorology said temperatures between 44 and 47 degrees are expected from Sunday to Tuesday in the provinces of Zagora, Tata, and Assa-Zag.
Hot weather with temperatures between 42 and 44 degrees is expected on Monday in the provinces of Settat, El Kelaa Sraghna, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Meknes, Khénifra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, and Khouribga.
From Monday to Tuesday, temperatures will range between 42 and 44 degrees in the provinces of Khémisset, Fez, Moulay Yacoub, Taounate, Ouezzane, and Sefrou.
Temperatures between 39 and 42 degrees are expected on Monday in the provinces of Kenitra and Larache.
Heatwaves have been sweeping the country since June, with health authorities urging citizens to ensure hydration and avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours.
High temperatures also cause wildfires, with Morocco recording 310 forest fires between the start of the year and July 20.
The wildfires burned a total of 1,850 hectares, according to the National Agency for Water and Forests. The number represents an average of 5.9 hectares per fire.
The agency linked the increase in fires to heavy vegetation growth after the exceptional rainfall Morocco received last winter. That plant cover later dried out during heatwaves at the end of May and the beginning of July, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
