Morocco scorched by unprecedented winter heatwave

Morocco has been gripped by an exceptional heatwave in recent days, experiencing temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in many regions, a stark contrast to the winter season.

On Wednesday, February 14th, temperatures soared to a scorching 35.7 degrees Celsius in Agadir and 35.8 degrees Celsius in Tan-Tan, while even at midnight, Sidi Ifni remained balmy at 30.5 degrees Celsius.

[Thread] Un évènement spectaculaire est en cours au Maroc, dont l'agriculture est déjà terrassée par une sécheresse historique. En plein mois de février, la température atteint 35.7°C à Agadir. A minuit, il faisait encore 30.5°C à Sidi Ifni. Rappelons qu'en août dernier, Agadir… pic.twitter.com/Ji30Xronwn

— Dr. Serge Zaka (Dr. Zarge) (@SergeZaka) February 14, 2024

This extreme heat comes amidst Morocco's six-year-long drought, which has significantly depleted dam and groundwater reserves.

Notably, Agadir recently broke its all-time temperature record, set last August at a searing 50.4 degrees Celsius.