Morocco faces extreme heat wave with temperatures up to 47°C

The Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology has issued an orange‑level heat‑wave alert affecting a large portion of the kingdom. From Monday through Thursday, temperatures are expected to reach 44‑47 °C in the southern‑eastern provinces of Assa‑Zag, Es‑Semara, Tata and Zagora. Coastal and northern provinces such as Essaouira, Driouch, Nador and Berkane will see highs of 35‑40 °C, while many interior regions—including Sidi Kacem, Khouribga, Settat, El Kalaa des Sraghna, Marrakech, Rehamna, Jerada, Taourirt, Khemisset, Youssoufia, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Khenifra, Boulemane, Guercif, Oujda‑Angad, Taounate, Taza, Ouezzane, Taroudant and Tinghir—are forecast to experience 40‑44 °C. A record 46 °C was recorded in Taourirt, and twelve cities have already exceeded 40 °C. The heat wave is driven by dry, hot air masses from the Sahara, expected to persist until the end of the week before weakening as cooler maritime breezes arrive. Authorities advise the public, especially children, the elderly and patients, to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., and limit strenuous outdoor activity.