Morocco is heading into a turbulent few days of weather, with scorching heat and abrupt thunderstorms forecast across large parts of the country from Thursday to Sunday.
The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) issued an orange-level alert, warning of a mix of extreme temperatures and unpredictable storm activity.
In Tata, Taroudant, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Oued Ed-Dahab, Boujdour, and Aousserd, temperatures may climb as high as 47°C.
Provinces like Fquih Ben Salah, Beni Mellal, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Rehamna, Settat, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Youssoufia, Azilal, Al Haouz, Tan-Tan, Guelmim, and Laayoune will not be spared either, with the mercury set to hover between 40°C and 44°C during the same stretch.
By Friday, Essaouira, Safi, Sidi Bennour, Inezgane-Ait Melloul, Chtouka-Ait Baha, Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, Tiznit, Sidi Ifni, and Tarfaya are also expected to face temperatures in the 40s.
Thunderstorms, accompanied by bursts of wind and hail, are set to break out on Thursday afternoon in several provinces.
Sudden downpours may drench areas like Azilal, Boulemane, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Taourirt, Guercif, Taza, Khenifra, Al Haouz, Ifrane, and Tinghir, with rainfall totals ranging from 20 to 35 millimeters.
Smaller accumulations, around 15 to 20 millimeters, are also likely in Tiznit, Midelt, Beni Mellal, and Tata.
Residents in the affected regions are urged to remain alert as the heat builds and storms loom.
According to the European Copernicus Climate Observatory, July 2025 ranks as the third hottest July ever recorded globally.
