Heatwave and storms in Morocco: what travellers should plan for

A new Morocco weather alert is a timely reminder for travellers and Moroccans living abroad to plan ahead, as an intense heatwave and storms are expected from Saturday to Tuesday in several provinces.

Morocco weather alert: up to 46°C in the South

According to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), an orange-level bulletin warns of a marked heatwave over parts of the country.

From Saturday to Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to range between 42 and 46°C in the provinces of Assa-Zag, Tata, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd, Es-Semara and Zagora.

For those returning home through the southern provinces or driving across these areas, these values are well above seasonal norms and require stricter planning of road trips, especially around midday.

Up to 42°C in many inland and coastal cities

The same Morocco weather alert announces temperatures between 38 and 42°C from Saturday to Monday in many inland provinces: Taounate, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Béni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Meknes, Khenifra, Fez, Moulay Yacoub, Taroudant, Guelmim, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Settat, El Kelâa des Sraghna, Rehamna, Khémisset, Safi, Marrakech and Ouezzane.

On Sunday and Monday, similar temperatures, between 38 and 42°C, are also expected in Salé, Essaouira, Kenitra, Berrechid, Benslimane, Larache, Chichaoua, Skhirate-Temara, Nouaceur and El Jadida.

For Moroccans abroad staying in these cities, or travelling there for paperwork, family visits or trips to airports, the heat can make waiting times and journeys more difficult, especially for children and elderly relatives.

Storms, hail and strong winds in the Middle Atlas

Alongside the heatwave, thunderstorms are forecast on Saturday between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. in several Middle Atlas provinces.

The DGM expects rainfall of 15 to 25 mm, with hail and gusty winds during storms in the provinces of Ifrane, Midelt, Boulemane and Khenifra.

These conditions can cause reduced visibility, slippery roads and local disruption, particularly on mountain routes that many Moroccans abroad like to take for family day trips.

What travellers and Moroccans abroad should plan for

This weather sequence directly affects travel, return and transit plans across the country. A few simple precautions can help reduce risk:

• Schedule long journeys early in the morning or in the evening to avoid peak heat.
• Check the car’s air conditioning and carry enough drinking water for all passengers.
• Consult DGM bulletins before long trips, especially towards the South and the Middle Atlas.
• Avoid driving on mountain roads if a storm alert is in place, particularly at night.
• Allow extra time for journeys to airports and ports in case of disruption.

For Moroccans abroad preparing to travel back to Europe or other destinations, the heatwave may also affect traffic on major roads, bus timetables and waiting times at borders. It is advisable to follow official updates and, if necessary, adjust bookings or departure times.

Monitoring the official situation

The bulletin has been issued at orange alert level, meaning the phenomenon is significant but well identified, and that caution is required. Moroccan authorities regularly stress the need to adapt behaviour during heatwaves and stormy episodes.

Travellers can check official platforms for updates on temperatures, local alerts and any specific recommendations. In case of doubt, it remains wise to gather information before departure from local services or, for Moroccans already in the country, from relatives on the ground.

This episode is a reminder that, even at the end of summer, weather conditions in Morocco can remain extreme in some regions, and that every travel plan should factor this in right from the planning stage.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.