Rabat – Morocco experienced one of its warmest summers in recent decades in 2026, with average temperatures 1.07°C above the 1991–2020 reference period, according to data from Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM).
The summer ranked eighth among the hottest recorded in Morocco since 1981. Summer 2023 remains the hottest in the series, with an average temperature anomaly of 1.92°C.
All three months of the June, July, and August period recorded above-average temperatures. June ranked eighth among the hottest on record, with an anomaly of 0.97°C, while July ranked seventh at 1.37°C. August ranked 10th, with temperatures 0.89°C above the 1991–2020 average.
Some cities recorded particularly high seasonal anomalies. Oujda had its hottest summer on record, with an anomaly of 2.22°C, while Al Hoceima recorded 2.33°C and Tetouan 1.42°C. July also became the hottest on record in Casablanca, with an anomaly of 2.15°C, as well as in Kenitra at 1.61°C and El Jadida at 1.69°C.
The summer also brought two main heat waves. The first lasted from June 29 to July 9, covering 11 days, with temperatures reaching 47°C in Smara and Sidi Slimane and 45.5°C in Taroudant.
The second lasted eight days, from July 30 to August 6. Temperatures climbed to 48.6°C in Taroudant, 48.4°C in Smara, 46.4°C in Guelmim and 43.5°C in Tiznit.
Morocco recorded 19 very hot days during summer 2026, compared with 27 during the summer of 2023.
Temperatures eased during the second half of August before rising sharply again in September. Two further heat waves affected the country, from September 3 to 9 and from September 12 to 15.
The first September heat wave produced several monthly records for maximum temperatures. Sidi Slimane reached 47.1°C, surpassing the previous 45.8°C recorded in 1988. Kenitra reached 45.1°C, compared with 44.6°C in 2006, while Sale reached 44.3°C against 43.6°C in 2021. Laayoune also recorded a new monthly high of 45.8°C, exceeding the previous 45°C recorded in 2005.
The heat continued across much of the country through the month. The first 20 days of September recorded the highest average temperatures ever observed nationally for the same period since 1981, according to the meteorological data.
