A historic heatwave is hitting Morocco, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius.
Various regions across Morocco are currently experiencing a significant heatwave locally referred to as “Asmaim,” as announced by the General Directorate of Meteorology. The recorded temperatures on August 12, 2025, exceeded the usual climatic averages by margins ranging from 3 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Several cities have reported unprecedented highs, most notably Larache where temperatures reached 44 degrees instead of 27, Sidi Slimane at 47 instead of 34, and Marrakech at 45 instead of 34. In Bouarfa, temperatures hit 44 degrees instead of 37. Even coastal cities like Safi, Essaouira, and Casablanca registered increases between 5 and 8 degrees due to weakened sea breezes and hot air flowing in from the interior.
At the Laayoune station, a new record of 49.2 degrees Celsius was recorded on August 9, surpassing the previous record of 47 degrees set in 2016. Meteorologists attributed this heatwave to the activity of the “Cherki” phenomenon, linked to the strengthening of the subtropical high over North Africa, alongside the extension of a desert thermal low into the country, leading to the inflow of dry and hot air masses from the Sahara.
Starting today, August 13, the heatwave is expected to persist, with maximum temperatures ranging from 44 to 47 degrees in the provinces of Tata, Assa-Zag, Smara, Boujdour, and Oued Ed-Dahab, while temperatures will reach between 42 and 44 degrees in Fez, Meknes, Sidi Slimane, Beni Mellal, Marrakech, Taroudant, and Guelmim. Along the Atlantic coast, temperatures will fluctuate between 26 and 34 degrees with a gradual decline.
The General Directorate of Meteorology has urged citizens to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and seek shade, while also exercising caution in areas prone to local thunderstorms to prevent risks of flooding.
