Morocco is set to experience a spell of hot weather characterised by a sharp rise in temperatures. The Directorate-General of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange alert warning of a heatwave, accompanied locally by thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong gusts of wind in several provinces of the Kingdom.
A heatwave reaching up to 46°C
According to the DGM, temperatures ranging from 41 to 46°C are expected from Thursday to Sunday in the provinces of Kenitra, Taounate, Meknes, Fez, Moulay Yacoub, Khémisset, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Fquih Ben Salah, Settat, Youssoufia, Rehamna, El Kelâa des Sraghna, Chichaoua, Marrakesh, Taroudant, Zagora, Tata, Assa-Zag, Boujdour, Es-Semara, Aousserd and Oued Ed-Dahab.
The Directorate-General of Meteorology is also forecasting temperatures ranging from 38 to 41°C in the provinces of Larache, Salé, Rabat, Skhirate-Témara, Nouaceur, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Berrechid, Benslimane, Médiouna, El Jadida, Sidi Bennour, Essaouira, Safi, Ouezzane, Khénifra, Béni Mellal, El Hajeb, Ifrane and Sefrou.
Thunderstorms with hail expected on Thursday
Alongside this heatwave, thunderstorms, sometimes accompanied by hail and strong gusts of wind, are forecast for this Thursday between 1.00 pm and 11.00 pm in the provinces of Chichaoua and Taroudant.
The DGM forecasts rainfall totals of between 15 and 25 mm, which may be accompanied by locally heavy thunderstorms.
In light of these weather conditions, the authorities advise residents in the affected areas to exercise caution, particularly when travelling, and to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day.
