Heatwave Leaves Moroccan Cities Sweltering in Record-Breaking Temperatures
- Morocco is experiencing a severe heatwave this June, with record temperatures.
- Casablanca reached 39.5C, surpassing its previous record of 38.6C.
- More than 17 regions are seeing temperatures climb above 40C.
- Ben Guerir recorded a blistering temperature of 46.4C, a new high.
- Cooling coastal cities like Essaouira are facing unprecedented temperature spikes.
Moroccan cities experience record-breaking temperatures
Morocco is currently facing a severe heatwave, with unprecedented monthly temperature records shattered across the nation. Officially, the national meteorological office (DGM) reported on Sunday that many locations have registered temperatures soaring up to 20 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. This alarming phenomenon has been recognized as a ‘chegui’ type heatwave, defined by its extreme intensity and geographical expanse, impacting numerous regions in this North African country from June 27 to June 28.
Severe impacts on cities and temperature records
Cities like Casablanca have recorded sensational highs, with temperatures hitting 39.5 degrees Celsius (approximately 103 Fahrenheit), surpassing the former record of 38.6C from June 2011. Furthermore, Larache reported a staggering 43.8C, eclipsing its prior June mark set in 2017 by nearly one degree. Not to be outdone, central Morocco’s Ben Guerir reached a blistering 46.4C, outdoing its previous record by an impressive 1.1C. Overall, over 17 regions in Morocco have faced temperatures exceeding 40C, showcasing the country’s alarming rise in heat levels.
Forecasts signal continued heat conditions ahead
The situation extends beyond these urban hubs, with secluded coastal towns like Essaouira witnessing extraordinary temperature spikes ranging from 10C to 20C above their regular June averages. Even inland cities such as Marrakesh, Fez, Meknes, and Beni Mellal are seeing temperatures leap by 8C to 15C above what is typical, while Tangier remains on the cooler side of this alarming trend. Looking ahead, meteorological forecasts indicate that the heat will persist in Morocco’s interior due to a Saharan thermal depression, which is essentially a dome of heat that has settled over the Sahara desert, further contributing to this extreme weather.
In summary, Morocco’s recent heatwave has brought record-breaking temperatures that have affected countless regions. The data from the DGM shows significant rises well above seasonal norms, with a forecast predicting ongoing high temperatures due to a Saharan thermal depression. As temperatures continue to rise, it raises concerns about the heat’s impact on daily life and health across the nation.
