Heatwave Leaves Moroccan Cities Sweltering in Record-Breaking Temperatures

• Moroccan cities experience record-breaking temperatures amid heatwave.
• Casablanca reached 39.5C, breaking its previous June record.
• Ben Guerir registered 46.4C, exceeding prior records by 1.1C.
• Over 17 regions reported temperatures above 40C, indicating widespread intensity.
• Forecasters predict continued heating in Morocco’s interior due to a thermal depression.

Record-Breaking Temperatures Across Morocco

Heat records are shattering across Morocco as an intense heatwave grips the nation, leaving citizens to endure unseasonably high temperatures. According to the country’s national meteorological office, the extreme heat experienced between June 27 and June 28 saw temperatures soar as much as 20 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. This ‘chegui’ heatwave, known for both its intensity and its widespread impact, has not only affected Morocco but also reached parts of southern Europe, illustrating its extensive reach.

Coastal Cities Suffer Under Extreme Heat

The DGM has noted some particularly alarming temperature anomalies, especially across regions such as the Atlantic plains and the interior plateaus of Morocco. In Casablanca, the thermostat soared to an astounding 39.5 degrees Celsius, eclipsing the previous June record of 38.6 degrees from 2011. The coastal town of Larache, located some 250 kilometers up the coast, recorded a blistering 43.8 degrees Celsius, surpassing the June high set in 2017 by nearly a degree. Central Morocco’s Ben Guerir recorded a staggering 46.4 degrees Celsius, breaking its own record by 1.1 degrees, while over 17 regions noted temperatures exceeding the 40 degrees Celsius landmark.

Continued Heat Forecast for Morocco’s Interior

The extreme heat is not only confined to the coast but is being felt inland as well, with cities such as Marrakesh, Fez, Meknes, and Beni Mellal reporting temperatures between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius above normal. The situation is particularly dire for coastal cities like Essaouira that are recording temperatures 10 to 20 degrees Celsius higher than average for this time of year. Looking ahead, forecasts suggest that the intense heat will persist in Morocco’s interior, attributed to a Saharan thermal depression—a high-pressure system that traps heat over the desert region.

As Morocco grapples with unprecedented heat records, the country’s meteorological office emphasizes the severe nature of this heatwave. With coastal and inland cities alike experiencing record-breaking temperatures that could pose risks to health and agriculture, the situation continues to develop. Citizens are advised to take precautions as they endure this extreme weather.