Morocco Experiences Unprecedented Heatwave with Record Temperatures
- Morocco is facing record-high temperatures amidst an intense heatwave.
- The national meteorological office reported temperature anomalies of 20 degrees Celsius.
- Casablanca set a new record of 39.5C, exceeding the previous high from 2011.
- Inland cities recorded temperatures from 8C to 15C above average for June.
- Over 17 regions are grappling with temperatures surpassing 40C.
Morocco Experiences Record-Breaking April Temperatures
A relentless heatwave is currently gripping Morocco, with many cities experiencing unprecedented temperatures that have shattered monthly records. The national meteorological office reported on Sunday that in some areas, temperatures are exceeding seasonal norms by a staggering 20 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather is categorized as a ‘chegui’ type heatwave, noted for both its intensity and the wide geographic area it has affected, according to the Direction Générale de la Météorologie (DGM).
Alarming Temperature Records Reported Across Different Regions
In the coastal city of Casablanca, the temperature soared to 39.5 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 38.6 degrees Celsius set back in June 2011. Turning our gaze to Larache, approximately 250 kilometers (150 miles) up the coast, the region recorded a staggering peak of 43.8 degrees Celsius, just slightly higher than the 2017 record. Meanwhile, in central Morocco’s Ben Guerir, thermometers climbed to an astounding 46.4 degrees Celsius, beating the two-year-old record by 1.1 degrees Celsius. The DGM indicated that over 17 regions in Morocco are currently facing heat levels exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, predominantly affecting Atlantic locations.
Coastal and Inland Cities Endure Unprecedented Heat
The effects of this heatwave are not limited to inland cities such as Marrakesh, Fez, Meknes, and Beni Mellal, where temperatures surged between 8 degrees and 15 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. Even the coastal city of Essaouira has reported temperatures that are 10 degrees to 20 degrees above what is typically expected for June. As for the upcoming forecast, weather predictions suggest that the intense heat is set to continue, primarily due to a Saharan thermal depression that has settled over the region. This dome of heat is bringing a prolonged bout of uncomfortable and dangerous weather conditions for the citizens of Morocco, who are bracing for more high-temperature days ahead.
The recent heatwave in Morocco has led to numerous cities reaching alarming temperature highs, breaking previous records and setting new monthly averages. From Casablanca to Ben Guerir, residents are experiencing conditions well above norms, which is a cause for concern as forecasts predict continued heat in the coming days. With over 17 regions impacted by this extreme weather pattern, the challenges of adapting to such high temperatures are becoming apparent, raising potential public health concerns.
