heatwave in – Morocco is gripped by a heatwave driven by Saharan hot, dry air, with temperatures reaching 42.4°C in Sidi Slimane and several cities topping 40°C. The extreme heat is forecast to persist through at least Wednesday, while thunderstorms, scattered rainfall and
On Thursday, the heat didn’t just linger—it climbed. In Sidi Slimane, temperatures peaked at 42.4 degrees Celsius, and in city after city across northern Morocco, the numbers kept moving past 40.
Kenitra reached 42 degrees, Nouaceur hit 41.6 and Taroudant climbed to 41. Rabat recorded 40 degrees, while Casablanca reported 36.4.
The General Directorate of Meteorology says the spell is running well above seasonal averages, with temperatures exceeding norms by between three and 10 degrees—especially in inland areas of Gharb, Loukkos, Chaouia, the central plains and the Souss region.
At the national weather agency. communications official Houssine Youabed traced the conditions to the Saharan thermal depression pushing hot and dry air masses northward. The phenomenon is known locally as “Chergui” winds. As that warm air crosses the Atlas Mountains. temperatures rise further through the “Foehn effect. ” intensifying heat across western and northern inland plains. Souss. the southeast. the Moulouya valley and the far south.
The forecast offers little immediate relief. The hot weather is expected to continue through at least Wednesday in inland plains, Souss, the southeast and southern provinces. Temperatures are forecast between 38 and 43 degrees in northern and central plains, inland Souss, the far southeast and eastern Saharan provinces.
But the heat is only one side of the story. The meteorological agency also warned that atmospheric instability is set to persist through the weekend, especially over the Rif, Middle Atlas and eastern regions. Thunderstorms, scattered rainfall and possible hail are expected in some mountainous areas.
Adding to the risk, strong winds are forecast in the southeast, the southern Oriental region, the central Atlantic coasts and southern provinces. Those winds could bring local dust and sandstorms.
Taken together, the combination is clear: blistering heat from Saharan air and mountain-driven intensification, followed by unstable weather and wind—leaving parts of Morocco to brace for days where the sky can swing from scorching to stormy without much warning.
Morocco heatwave Chergui winds Foehn effect Saharan thermal depression thunderstorms Morocco hail forecast dust and sandstorms Morocco