An orange weather alert covers dozens of provinces on Saturday and Sunday, but Morocco’s highest forecast will not apply everywhere.
Morocco’s weekend heat warning stretches from Marrakech and Fes to Casablanca and Rabat.
But before cancelling plans or forwarding a message warning that the whole country will reach 45°C, check the details. The highest temperature range applies only to specific provinces.
Morocco’s Direction générale de la météorologie has issued an orange-level alert for Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13. Temperatures could reach between 40°C and 45°C in the hottest areas, while another group of provinces is expected to record between 34°C and 41°C.
Families planning a long journey, outdoor activity or weekend away should check the latest forecast for their exact destination before leaving.
MOROCCO HEAT ALERT AT A GLANCE
Dates: Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13
Highest forecast range: 40°C to 45°C
Second forecast range: 34°C to 41°C
Alert level: Orange
Most important action: Check the forecast for your town and complete travel route
The warning applies to provinces and prefectures, not one identical temperature across every town or neighbourhood.
WHERE TEMPERATURES COULD REACH 45°C
Temperatures between 40°C and 45°C are forecast in:
Fquih Ben Salah, Meknes, Moulay Yacoub, Larache, Taroudant, Ouezzane, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Settat, Chichaoua, Fes, Taounate, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Marrakech, Rehamna, Khemisset, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia and Beni Mellal.
This does not mean every location within those areas will record 45°C. That is the upper end of the forecast range for the affected group.
Local temperatures can vary according to altitude, distance from the coast, cloud cover and the time of day.
CASABLANCA, RABAT AND OTHER AREAS ARE ALSO INCLUDED
Temperatures between 34°C and 41°C are forecast in:
Benslimane, Berrechid, Rabat, Salé, Skhirate-Temara, El Jadida, Safi, Essaouira, Casablanca, Mediouna, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, El Hajeb and Khenifra.
Coastal areas may remain below the highest inland temperatures, but the expected heat can still affect travel, work and outdoor plans.
A person leaving Casablanca for Marrakech, or travelling from the coast towards Fes, Meknes or an inland rural area, could experience a significant temperature change during a single journey.
The alert was issued by Morocco’s national meteorological authority and reported on September 10 by Médias24 and Hespress.
CHECK THESE FIVE THINGS BEFORE YOU LEAVE
- Your complete route
Checking the temperature at home is not enough. Look at the forecast for your destination and the places you will pass through, particularly when travelling inland.
- Drinking water
Carry enough water for every passenger, plus additional supplies in case the journey takes longer than expected.
Anyone who has been medically advised to limit fluid intake should continue to follow guidance from their doctor.
- Your vehicle
Check the fuel or battery range, tyres and cooling system before a long journey. A breakdown can become more difficult when passengers are waiting in intense heat.
- Children, older passengers and pets
Plan stops at safe places with shade or cooling. Never leave a child, vulnerable passenger or animal alone inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time.
- The latest official update
Weather warnings can change. Check Morocco’s official meteorological information shortly before departure instead of relying on an old screenshot or forwarded message.
WHO NEEDS EXTRA CARE?
High temperatures can affect anyone, but babies, young children, older people, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with chronic medical conditions may face greater risks.
Check on relatives and neighbours who live alone, particularly when their homes become very hot during the day.
Medicines may also have specific storage requirements. Follow the instructions on the packaging and ask a pharmacist if there is any uncertainty. Avoid leaving medication inside a hot vehicle.
The World Health Organization recommends staying hydrated, keeping the body cool and reducing exposure during periods of high heat.
KNOW WHEN THE HEAT IS BECOMING DANGEROUS
Heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness or muscle cramps can be signs that someone is struggling with the heat.
Move the person to a cooler place place, help them cool down and offer water if they are conscious and able to drink.
Confusion, fainting, seizures, unusual behaviour or loss of consciousness may indicate a medical emergency. Seek urgent professional assistance rather than attempting to manage a serious condition alone.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOLER
Close curtains, blinds or shutters when direct sunlight is strongest. Open windows when the outside temperature becomes cooler, usually later in the evening or early in the morning.
Use fans or air conditioning safely where available. Wear light, loose clothing and reduce strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Pets also need constant access to water and a cool place. Pavements and other exposed surfaces can become much hotter than the surrounding air.
CHECK YOUR PROVINCE, THEN CHECK YOUR TOWN
The weekend forecast is significant because of both its intensity and geographical reach.
But the most accurate conclusion is not that all of Morocco will experience 45°C.
Some listed provinces could approach that level, while other affected areas are forecast to remain within a lower range. Temperatures can also differ between towns within the same province.
Before travelling on Saturday or Sunday, check the latest official forecast for the precise area you intend to visit.
The most useful response is preparation, not panic. A few minutes of planning could make the weekend safer and more comfortable for everyone travelling with you.