Morocco heatwave and storms expected in several provinces through Monday

The national weather service has issued a new Morocco heatwave alert, warning of very high temperatures and local thunderstorms in several provinces between Friday and Monday.

Morocco heatwave alert: what to know

According to the orange-level bulletin, a strong heatwave will hit the southern regions with exceptionally high temperatures.

From Friday to Monday, daytime highs are expected to range between 43°C and 46°C in the provinces of:

• Oued Ed-Dahab
• Assa-Zag
• Es-Semara
• Tata
• Aousserd
• Boujdour

For Moroccans living abroad who plan to stay in these areas, it is advisable to adjust outdoor activities, favour early-morning or evening travel, and make sure that rented homes and cars have working air conditioning.

Widespread heat in many inland cities

The same Morocco heatwave alert, with temperatures between 38°C and 42°C, will affect a wide band of territory from South to Centre and North between Friday and Sunday.

The provinces concerned include Taroudant, Guelmim, Khouribga, Settat, Chichaoua, Sidi Bennour, Essaouira, Safi, Fez, Khemisset, Taounate, Youssoufia, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Meknes, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, Sidi Kacem, Marrakech, Rehamna, Khenifra, Sidi Slimane and Moulay Yacoub.

This situation may complicate travel, particularly on main roads linking inland cities. Moroccans returning home by car are encouraged to:

• avoid long journeys during the hottest hours of the day;
• carry enough drinking water for all passengers;
• check tyre pressure, which can be affected by extreme heat;
• take regular breaks, especially with children or older relatives.

Local thunderstorms, hail and strong wind gusts

Alongside the heat, the weather office forecasts thunderstorms in some mountainous areas this Friday, between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., sometimes accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts.

The provinces affected are Khenifra, Al Haouz, Azilal, Ifrane and Midelt, with expected rainfall amounts between 15 and 25 mm in places.

These fast-changing conditions can impact mountain roads, hiking routes and rural tracks. Before planning a trip to the Middle or High Atlas, it is safer to:

• check official weather bulletins on the same day;
• ask locally about the state of roads and tracks;
• avoid riverbeds and areas prone to flash floods.

What Moroccans abroad should keep in mind

This Morocco heatwave alert combined with local storms is limited in time, but it calls for extra caution, especially for those who are not used to the local summer climate.

Moroccans living abroad who are coming back for holidays can:

• adjust travel dates in the most affected areas where possible;
• plan indoor activities during peak heat hours;
• stay in close contact with family in Morocco to follow weather updates;
• consult updates from the official meteorological portal and other institutional channels.

When in doubt, it is best to cross-check information with competent public services and strictly follow local safety instructions.

To better prepare your trips and administrative steps during your stay in Morocco, you can also consult Canal212’s practical guide for Moroccans living abroad.

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

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