Severe Heatwave and Thunderstorm Warnings in Morocco
The Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an Orange weather alert set to take effect from Saturday through Tuesday. According to the official bulletin, several provinces across the kingdom are expected to experience a significant heatwave accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.
In the southern and southeastern regions, including Assa-Zag, Tata, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd, Es-Semara, and Zagora, temperatures are anticipated to soar between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius. The DGM has described this as a prolonged period of exceptional heat that could pose risks to health and outdoor activities.
Other parts of the country, such as Taounate, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Béni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Meknès, Khénifra, Fès, Moulay Yacoub, Taroudant, Guelmim, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Settat, El Kelâa des Sraghna, Rehamna, Khémisset, Safi, Marrakesh, and Ouezzane, can expect temperatures ranging from 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, similar high temperatures are forecasted for Salé, Essaouira, Kénitra, Berrechid, Benslimane, Larache, Chichaoua, Skhirate-Témara, Nouaceur, and El Jadida on Sunday and Monday.
In addition to the extreme heat, the DGM warns of localized thunderstorms expected on Saturday from 2 PM to 11 PM in the provinces of Ifrane, Midelt, Boulemane, and Khénifra. Rainfall amounts could reach between 15 to 25 millimeters, potentially accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts. The meteorological authority emphasizes that these thunderstorms may develop swiftly and are likely to be localized.
While the DGM did not specify any potential damages or specific impacts, it is crucial for residents to heed the warnings, particularly in regions prone to thunderstorms and hail. This alert comes during a period in which Morocco has been repeatedly experiencing heatwaves over the past several weeks. The weather situation is expected to remain tense until Tuesday, with further updates anticipated.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
