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Temperatures across Morocco are running between 5°C and 12°C above seasonal averages as a powerful heatwave grips the country, with more than nine cities recording highs above 40°C on Wednesday, July 1. The General Directorate of Meteorology said the extreme conditions are being driven by the strengthening of the Saharan thermal low and its expansion northward across the Kingdom, leading to the dominance of Chergui winds, hot, dry continental winds that carry Saharan air masses into central and northern Morocco.
In a post on its Facebook page, the directorate said the hottest conditions initially affected the southeast and the interior of the southern provinces before gradually extending, from midweek onward, to the central and northern Atlantic plains, reaching even some coastal cities. Kenitra recorded 42.2°C, while temperatures reached 40°C in Salé and 33.4°C in Casablanca. According to the same source, this reflects the weakening of the Atlantic Ocean's moderating influence as the Chergui winds continue to prevail.
Heat to Persist
The directorate added that the current weather pattern is also being intensified by the foehn effect, a well-known meteorological phenomenon in which air masses lose moisture as they cross the Atlas Mountains before warming through compression as they descend toward the western plains. This process makes the air hotter and drier, contributing to unusually high temperatures even in areas near the Atlantic coast, particularly the inland parts of the Loukkos and Gharb regions.
According to the latest forecasts, the Chergui winds are expected to persist over the coming days, keeping temperatures above seasonal norms, particularly in inland areas, the southeast and the southern provinces. Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 40°C and 46°C in these regions, between 33°C and 40°C across much of the rest of the country, and between 20°C and 26°C in the High Atlas, the northern Rif and along the Mediterranean coast.
The directorate also forecast the development of localized afternoon thunderstorms over the Atlas Mountains, the southeast and the eastern region, which could be accompanied by showers, strong wind gusts and occasional lightning.
Although temperatures may ease slightly and temporarily on Thursday and Friday in some areas, hot conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, particularly in the south, the southeast and the inland plains. The directorate urged the public to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, stay well hydrated, take extra care of vulnerable groups, and follow official weather forecasts and alerts.
