Morocco Braces for Heatwave, Thunderstorms and Hail

Rabat – Morocco is set to experience a spell of intense heat alongside thunderstorms, hail and strong wind gusts in several provinces from Sunday through Tuesday, according to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM).

An orange-level weather alert issued by the DGM forecasts temperatures of between 42 and 46°C in Assa-Zag, Tata, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd, Es-Semara and Zagora. The heatwave is expected to persist across these provinces from Sunday through Tuesday.

Temperatures between 38 and 42°C are also forecast on Sunday and Monday in a broader group of provinces, including Tan-Tan, Skhirate-Temara, Khemisset, Rehamna, Ouezzane, Larache, Taounate, Kalaat Sraghna, Laayoune, Guelmim, Settat, Khouribga, Sidi Slimane, Sidi Kacem, Kenitra, Taroudant, Fquih Ben Salah, Beni Mellal and Sale.

Alongside the high temperatures, thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong gusts are expected in several provinces on Sunday afternoon and evening.

The DGM said the storms, with rainfall totals of between 25 and 35 millimeters, are expected from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Azilal, Boulemane, Rehamna, Marrakech, Kalaat Sraghna, Chichaoua, Al Haouz, Settat, Khouribga, Taroudant, Ouarzazate, Figuig, Midelt, Khenifra, Ifrane, Fquih Ben Salah and Beni Mellal.

The combination of extreme heat and potentially severe thunderstorms could create difficult conditions in the affected areas, particularly during the peak afternoon hours.

Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, take the necessary precautions amid the expected heat and thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary exposure to high temperatures, and exercise caution when traveling in areas affected by heavy rain, hail and strong winds.