A new weather alert has been issued for several regions across Morocco, as the country braces for a combination of violent thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds, and an intense heatwave. The General Directorate of Meteorology has warned of a dual weather event expected to unfold between Monday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 20.
Beginning Monday afternoon, severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, and Taroudant. These storms, categorized under orange alert level, may bring heavy downpours ranging from 20 to 40 mm in just a few hours, along with bursts of hail and sudden wind gusts. The most active period is expected between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.
At the same time, much of the country will be gripped by extreme heat. Southern provinces including Tata, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, and Aousserd are set to experience the most intense temperatures, potentially reaching a scorching 47°C. The heatwave, driven by a persistent chergui wind, is expected to persist through Wednesday.
Elsewhere, temperatures between 39°C and 44°C are predicted across large parts of northern, eastern, and central Morocco starting Monday. Affected areas include Fès-Meknès, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, the Oriental region, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Casablanca-Settat, Marrakech-Safi, Souss-Massa, and Guelmim-Oued Noun.
Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, warning of heightened risks including wildfires, flash flooding, and serious health effects due to the extreme heat—especially for vulnerable individuals or those exposed to prolonged outdoor conditions.
