North Africa heat wave pushes temperatures to 45°C in Tunisia and Morocco

Meteorological services in Morocco and Tunisia warned of an intense heat wave affecting the region in mid‑July 2026. In Morocco, the Directorate General of Meteorology forecast highs of 39 °C in Bouarfa and up to 40 °C in Ouarzazate, with lows ranging from 10 °C in the Atlas mountains to 23 °C in the southeast. Coastal cities such as Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier were expected to see highs in the high 20s to low 30s, while inland areas faced temperatures approaching 36‑38 °C.

In Tunisia, the National Institute of Meteorology predicted maximum temperatures of 41‑45 °C across much of the country, with the interior reaching 45 °C under a southerly sirocco wind. The heat alert covered governorates including Kairouan, Sousse and Mahdia. Authorities issued health advisories urging people to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure between 11 h and 16 h, and monitor vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Sporadic thunderstorms were possible in western and mountainous regions, but overall conditions remained hot and dry.