South-easterly Anticyclone concentration Caused Unusual Heat Wave in Morocco

Morocco is experiencing this week an unusual heat wave, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, particularly in the center and south.

This early spring heat wave is causing serious concern among the farming community, especially with the scarcity of rains throughout March 2023. Additionally, exposure to the harsh sun can cause health problems, particularly during this sacred month of fasting.

According to a communication manager at the National Meteorology Department, the rise in temperatures during this period is attributed to the concentration of the Assyrian anticyclone in the northwest of the country and the activity of the desert depression in the south.

This has led to the formation of a south-easterly current that has caused hot and dry air masses from the Sahara Desert to rise, contributing to the increase in temperatures in most parts of the country, particularly in the southern and central regions.

The latest “orange vigilance level” alert bulletin issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology predicted high temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees in Fkih Bensalah, Youssoufia, Marrakech, Agadir Ida Ou Tanan, Chtouka-Ait Baha, Inezgane -Ait Melloul, Tan-Tan, Tarfaya, and Chichaoua.

While they would oscillate between 38 and 41 degrees in Aousserd, Tata, Assa-Zag, Smara, Taroudant, Laayoune, Boujdour and Oued Ed-Dahab during the week.

The maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday, March 29, reached 38.9 degrees in Agadir, 37.8 degrees in Taroudant, 40.2 degrees in Smara, and 37.2 degrees in Guelmim, according to the communication manager.

These temperatures have largely exceeded the monthly record which was recorded at the same period last year.

The warm weather is expected to continue in the south of the country, while temperatures will drop in the north and the center of the kingdom from the beginning of next week, with temperatures gradually declining from the first days of April.