Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange-level weather alert warning of an intense heatwave expected to affect several parts of the country between July 7 and July 9, 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 47°C.
According to the weather bulletin, temperatures ranging from 45°C to 47°C are expected in the provinces of Aousserd, Oued Eddahab, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Es-Smara, Tata and Zagora. Highs between 43°C and 45°C are also forecast for Marrakech, Taroudant, Sidi Slimane, Kelaat Sraghna, Rehamna, Khemisset, Youssoufia, Fquih Ben Salah, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, Settat, Chichaoua and Beni Mellal.
Temperatures between 40°C and 43°C are expected in Larache, Ouazzane, Guelmim, Meknes, Taounate, Khouribga, Sefrou, Benslimane, Berrechid, Essaouira, Nouaceur, Sidi Bennour, Safi, El Hajeb, Khenifra, Fez, Moulay Yacoub and the inland areas of Tan-Tan, Tarfaya and Laayoune.
Houcine Youabed, Head of Communication at the General Directorate of Meteorology, said the heatwave is being driven by the northward expansion of the Saharan thermal low, accompanied by hot, dry air masses from the Sahara, a phenomenon locally known as the “Chergui” wind.
He noted that Es-Smara recorded the country’s highest temperature at 47°C, while Taroudant and Marrakech approached 45°C. More than fourteen Moroccan cities exceeded the 40°C mark, although no new July temperature records have been recorded so far.
Forecasts indicate that the hot conditions will continue over the coming days, particularly in southern provinces, the southeast and inland plains, before temperatures gradually decline from Thursday across northern and central plains as well as parts of the southern provinces.
The meteorological authority urged residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak daytime hours, drink plenty of water and closely follow official weather updates, especially for children, older adults and people living with chronic illnesses.