Extreme Heat and Thunderstorms Expected Across Morocco

The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued a warning for several regions in Morocco as intense heat continues to persist in the coming days, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 46 °C. Alongside this wave of heat, there is an anticipated risk of strong thunderstorms, particularly in mountainous and eastern areas of the country.

From Wednesday to Friday, temperatures are forecasted to reach between 42 and 45 °C in several provinces, including Oussard, Oued Eddahab, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Tata, and Zagora. Additionally, other regions such as Marrakech, Rehamna, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Béni Mellal, Taroudant, Kénitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Settat, Meknès, Khénifra, Fès, Moulay Yacoub, Taounate, Larache, Ouezzane, Chichaoua, and Salé are expected to experience temperatures ranging from 38 to 42 °C.

Thunderstorm and Hail Risks

In conjunction with this heatwave, several regions are likely to experience atmospheric instability and thunderstorms during the afternoons, particularly over the Atlas and Rif mountains, as well as in the Oriental and South-Eastern parts of the country. According to the DGM, strong local thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail and gusty winds. Rainfall is also expected in areas such as Saïss, the Oulmès plateaus, and the phosphatic plateaus.

Coastal areas and Saharan provinces might experience gusty winds, which could lead to localized dust and sand storms. However, starting Friday, a gradual and slight decrease in temperatures is anticipated, which may alleviate the heat in certain regions, although warm conditions are likely to persist in the South-East, the interior of Saharan provinces, and the inland plains.

The DGM further advises vigilance during thunderstorms, recommending that individuals avoid rivers and low-lying areas during heavy rainfall. This instability is largely attributed to ground warming, the presence of pockets of cold air aloft, and the topographic effects that facilitate the formation of thunderclouds.

As reported by fr.hespress.com.