Morocco heatwave alert as temperatures hit 45C

The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange-level weather alert for a heatwave expected to affect several provinces and prefectures across Morocco from Sunday, June 28, through Wednesday, July 1, with temperatures ranging between 38°C and 45°C.

According to the DGM, temperatures on Sunday, June 28, will range between 38°C and 42°C in Aousserd, Oued Ed-Dahab, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Es-Smara, Tata, Taroudant, Tinghir, Zagora, Settat, El Kelâa des Sraghna, Marrakech, Rehamna, Figuig, Jerada, Youssoufia, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah and Errachidia.

From Monday, June 29, to Wednesday, July 1, temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 43°C in Sidi Bennour, Khenifra, Fez, Moulay Yacoub, Taounate, Ouezzane, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Essaouira, Khemisset and Meknes. Highs of between 42°C and 45°C are forecast in El Kelâa des Sraghna, Rehamna, Youssoufia, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Oued Ed-Dahab, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Es-Smara, Tata, Taroudant, Aousserd, Settat, Chichaoua and Marrakech.

The DGM urged citizens, particularly children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses, to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, stay well hydrated and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the extreme heat.