North African heat wave drives temps up to 47°C in Morocco, Egypt
A severe heat wave is sweeping North Africa. In Morocco, the Directorate General of Meteorology warned that temperatures will climb to 45‑47 °C from July 31 to August 2 2026 across many provinces, including Wadi al‑Dahab, Boudjur, Aïssa‑Zag, and Marrakech. Similar highs of 42‑45 °C are expected in regions such as Fquih Ben Salah, El Kelaa Sraghna and Agadir. The forecast also calls for strong local winds that could ignite fires in dry vegetation.
In Egypt, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority reported comparable extremes, with maximum temperatures reaching 42‑45 °C in Cairo, the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt, and up to 45‑47 °C in the southern governorates. High humidity will raise perceived temperatures, especially in the early afternoon. Sea conditions are expected to feature moderate wave heights of 1.5‑2.25 m, and occasional light showers and early‑morning fog may occur in parts of the region.
Authorities in both countries urged the public to avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., to stay hydrated, and to keep children and the elderly out of closed vehicles. The combined heat and wind conditions increase the risk of wildfires and health problems, prompting widespread advisories.
Entities: Cairo · Egypt · Egyptian Meteorological Authority · Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology · Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology · Morocco · Palestinian Meteorological Service
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sea conditions will feature moderate wave heights of 1.5‑2.25 m, potentially disrupting navigation. (Egyptian Meteorological Authority)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Moroccan forecast expects temperatures up to 47 °C in the Vaal Gold and surrounding regions. (Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology)
- [● 2 SOURCES] High humidity will raise perceived temperatures, reaching 39 °C in Cairo and 40 °C in Upper Egypt. (Egyptian Meteorological Authority)
- [● 6 SOURCES] A severe heat wave is forecast for Friday 31 July 2026 across Egypt, Palestine and Morocco. (multiple meteorological services)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Strong local winds may ignite fires in dry vegetation. (meteorological warnings)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. is hazardous; authorities advise drinking water and avoiding prolonged outdoor activity. (meteorological services)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Isolated short‑duration showers and early‑morning fog are possible in parts of the region. (meteorological forecasts)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Temperatures are expected 5‑7 °C above the annual average. (meteorological forecasts)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Temperatures in Egypt are forecast to reach up to 45‑47 °C in several locations during the same period. (Egyptian Meteorological Authority)
- [● 2 SOURCES] High humidity will raise perceived temperatures, especially during the afternoon. (Egyptian Meteorological Authority)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Temperatures in Morocco are expected to reach 45‑47 °C between July 31 and August 2 2026 in multiple provinces. (Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology)
- [● 8 SOURCES] Public health advisories urge people to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. (National meteorological agencies)