Orange weather alert in Morocco: heat and storms expected this weekend

Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology has issued a Morocco orange weather alert for this weekend, warning of strong heat in the south and thunderstorms over several central and northern provinces.

Temperatures between 36 and 40°C in southern provinces

According to the alert bulletin, hot weather is expected on Saturday and Sunday across several Saharan and pre-Saharan areas, with maximum temperatures ranging between 36 and 40°C.

The affected provinces include:

• Taroudant
• Oued Ed-Dahab
• Es-Semara
• Boujdour
• Laâyoune
• Aousserd

For Moroccans living abroad who are currently visiting these regions, such temperatures require extra care, especially for children, elderly people and anyone with health vulnerabilities.

Morocco orange weather alert: storms, hail and strong gusts

Alongside the heat, the DGM is forecasting significant thunderstorms this Saturday, with expected rainfall between 20 and 30 mm across several mountainous and north-eastern areas.

These storms are expected between 12:00 and 23:00 and could be accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts under storm cells.

The provinces concerned include, among others:

• Tinghir and Midelt
• Boulemane and Sefrou
• Al Hoceima, Guercif and Taza
• Driouch and Taourirt
• Azilal and Ifrane
• Nador

In these areas, road travel may be disrupted by intense showers over short periods, sudden drops in visibility and rapid surface runoff.

What this means for your trips and returns to Morocco

For Moroccans abroad planning to return home this weekend or move between regions, this Morocco orange weather alert calls for a few simple precautions.

If you are driving south or crossing mountain areas in the centre of the country:

• Schedule regular breaks in case of strong heat.
• Avoid long journeys during the hottest hours of the day.
• Check local weather forecasts before taking mountain roads.
• Be especially careful in zones prone to sudden thunderstorms.

No major disruption to flights or ferries has been announced in relation to this bulletin, but travellers are still advised to check for updates with their airline or shipping company before departure.

Monitoring the evolution of the alert

An orange alert means a potentially dangerous weather situation, still usual for the season, that calls for increased vigilance from residents and travellers.

Authorities may adjust or extend this level of alert depending on how the situation evolves. Before travelling, it is recommended to consult the latest bulletins from the General Directorate of Meteorology on its official channels, as well as advice from local authorities.

For Moroccans living abroad planning a holiday or a longer return, this episode is a reminder to factor weather into the organisation of road trips, visits to mountain regions and travel schedules across the country.

In case of doubts about how the weather could affect your plans or procedures, it is useful to cross-check information with official Moroccan portals and, if necessary, with the relevant transport operators.

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

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