Thunderstorms, Heatwave Expected Across Morocco Through Saturday

Rabat – Thunderstorms, with a risk of hail and strong winds, along with a heatwave, are expected in several parts of Morocco from Thursday through Saturday, the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) said.

The weather authority issued an orange-level weather alert for thunderstorms producing between 20 and 35 millimeters of rainfall in the provinces of Al Hoceima, Boulemane, Driouch, Rehamna, Figuig, Chichaoua, Jerada, Al Haouz, Kelaat Sraghna, Taroudant, Marrakech, Taza, Taourirt, and Guercif.

The storms are expected Thursday between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m., with a possibility of hail and strong wind gusts.

Video footage shared online showed muddy floodwaters rushing through the Ourika Valley near Marrakech following thunderstorms affecting the region in recent days. 

The area is usually a popular summer destination that attracts visitors looking to escape the heat and enjoy the river and surrounding mountains. However, the person recording the video warned people against visiting the area for now due to unstable weather conditions and the risk of sudden floods.

The weather service also forecasts a heatwave from Thursday through Saturday in the provinces of Aousserd, Oued Ed-Dahab, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, and Tata, where temperatures are forecast to reach between 45°C and 48°C.

Temperatures between 42°C and 45°C are also expected from Thursday through Friday in inland areas of Laayoune, Tan-Tan, and Guelmim.