Heatwave Leaves Moroccan Cities Sweltering in Record-Breaking Temperatures

• Morocco has recorded unprecedented heatwave temperatures this June.
• Casablanca hit 39.5C, breaking a previous record from 2011.
• Ben Guerir recorded astonishing temperatures of 46.4C.
• Many coastal cities saw temperatures as high as 20C above normal.
• Inland areas like Marrakesh experienced over 15C increases from the average.

Unprecedented Temperatures Recorded Across Cities

Record Temperatures Amidst Prolonged Heatwave Across Morocco, record-breaking temperatures are being observed, with the national meteorological office reporting anomalies that are sometimes exceeding typical seasonal averages by nearly 20 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather phenomenon, known as a “chegui” heatwave, has been persisting and affecting various cities across the country since late June. The conditions are particularly noted for their intensity and wide geographic impact, affecting both coastal and inland areas. The situation has seen Mercury levels soaring to unprecedented heights and is echoed by similar weather patterns across southern Europe, particularly on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Cities Break Long-Standing Temperature Records

In the coastal metropolis of Casablanca, temperatures soared to 39.5C (103 Fahrenheit), breaking the previous record of 38.6C which was established in June 2011, indicating not just an increase in heat, but a tangible impact on daily life. Moving further up the coast, Larache registered a peak of 43.8C, surpassing the earlier June high of 43.0C recorded in 2017 by a small margin. Not to be outdone, Ben Guerir in central Morocco reached an astonishing 46.4C, exceeding the two-year-old record by 1.1C. Meanwhile, more than 17 regions across the country recorded blistering temperatures above 40C, with coastal regions, in particular, facing dramatic shifts in their historically cooler climates, as Essaouira, for instance, noted temperatures that were up to 20 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year.

Saharan Heat Dome Continues to Affect Weather

The inland cities like Marrakesh, Fez, Meknes, and Beni Mellal did not escape the heatwave either, with temperatures reported between 8C to 15C above their seasonal norms. Interestingly, Tangier in the far north is experiencing conditions on the cooler side of this scale but still significantly warmer than usual. The forecast does not hint at any immediate relief, with the DGM indicating that the days ahead will see the persistence of these high temperatures, influenced by a Saharan thermal depression—a phenomenon that creates a dome of heat over the desert regions that continues to sweep into Morocco. This ongoing situation raises concerns among local communities and authorities regarding health and safety as well as agriculture and regional climates.

In summary, Morocco is enduring severe heatwave conditions, with cities experiencing record-breaking temperatures that exceed typical norms by significant margins. The national meteorological office has highlighted this abnormal weather pattern, raising concerns for health and agriculture. As the high temperatures persist, the implications for both urban and rural environments are increasingly alarming.