Severe Heatwave Expected Across Morocco
In the coming days, Morocco is set to experience an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar to a blistering 42 degrees Celsius in various regions, including the northern, central, and southern parts of the country. This alarming forecast comes from the National Meteorological Directorate of Morocco, which has highlighted this dramatic shift in weather following a week characterized by cold conditions and snowfall impacting the peaks of the High Atlas mountains.
The meteorological agency has indicated that the heatwave will significantly affect the interior plains, the Atlantic coast, regions situated to the west of the Atlas mountains, Souss, the southeast, and areas of Western Sahara. As temperatures rise progressively, it is anticipated that they will peak on Thursday and Friday, surpassing the typical averages for this time of year by 3 to 8 degrees, particularly in the interior and southern regions. Following this peak, a slight and gradual decrease in temperature is expected to commence on Monday.
Forecasts suggest that interior areas such as Gharb, Loukkos, and Chaouia could see temperatures ranging from 39 to 42 degrees Celsius, while regions like Saïs, the Oriental, and southeast areas may experience temperatures between 34 and 39 degrees. The northern Atlantic coasts are also projected to face elevated temperatures ranging from 33 to 38 degrees. This extreme heat is primarily attributed to the activity of the Saharan thermal low, which will lead to the influx of warm, dry air masses from the Sahara into the southern and central regions of Morocco, contributing to a stable and hot atmosphere across several areas.
After enduring seven years of severe drought, Morocco has recently recorded significant rainfall, with totals reaching 570 millimeters by May 13, marking a 50% increase compared to the last three decades and an impressive 86% rise from the previous year. The water reserves in various reservoirs have reached 13 billion cubic meters, with a filling rate of 76%. As reported by swissinfo.ch.
