The summer of 2024, which is nearing its end, has been marked by intense heat in several regions of Morocco, with temperatures reaching record levels, in line with global trends related to climate change.
July and much of August were characterized by prolonged and consecutive heatwaves, with a notable increase in the frequency and intensity of heat periods across the country.
Experts agree that these heatwaves are directly or partially linked to the climate changes observed globally over several years, particularly to global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to extreme heatwaves that are becoming the new norm.
In this context, Kenza Khamssi, head of climate and climate change services at the Directorate General of Meteorology, told the Moroccan News Agency that « climate models predict an increase in average temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, indicating that extreme heatwaves could become increasingly common. »
July 2024 is the second hottest month ever recorded globally, according to the European Copernicus agency, while NOAA estimates a 77% chance that 2024 will become the hottest year on record.
This trend is confirmed by the extreme temperatures recorded during this summer’s heatwaves, which affected several cities and regions across the kingdom.
On July 23, temperatures reached 48.3°C in Kasba Tadla, 47.7°C in Beni Mellal, and 47.6°C in Marrakech. Chefchaouen also set a new record, reaching 43.4°C on July 19, while Ifrane, usually known for its mild summer, recorded 37.8°C on July 23.
On July 11, Midelt hit a record 40.7°C, surpassing the previous record set in July 1945, according to the Directorate General of Meteorology.
The first half of August 2024 was also marked by high temperatures in several regions, peaking at 46°C in Marrakech, 41°C in Oujda, 42°C in Fez, and 45°C in Smara.
Although these heatwaves in Morocco are partly attributed to the « chergui, » a natural phenomenon that brings hot air masses from the desert, it is not wrong to also associate them with the effects of global warming observed in recent years, according to Ms. Khamssi.
Indeed, over the past four decades, the annual average temperature in Morocco has shown an upward trend, reaching +1.8°C, notes the climate expert, who also points out that heatwaves have become more frequent and intense than in the past.
Jamal Alibou, an expert in climate change and a professor at the Hassania School of Public Works, explains that heatwaves, which are climatic phenomena characterized by prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures, have become « more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting » due to climate change.
For example, the summer of 2023 experienced some of the most severe heatwaves ever recorded in Morocco, with a new national record of 50.4°C set in Agadir on August 10, 2023.
These prolonged heatwaves are also exacerbated by atmospheric phenomena such as persistent high-pressure systems that trap hot air and prevent cool weather systems from moving in.
Scientists also point to urbanization, where asphalt surfaces in urban areas absorb and retain more heat, exacerbating the urban heat island effect, especially at night. Mr. Alibou, who teaches in the Department of Water, Environment, and Climate, emphasizes that heatwaves also impact water resources by increasing evaporation from water reserves, rivers, and lakes, reducing the available reserves for irrigation, drinking water supplies, and other uses. As a result, the agricultural sector is particularly affected by these climate changes.
The specialist notes that « recent heatwaves have increased water stress on crops, reduced soil fertility, and promoted the proliferation of pests and plant diseases, exacerbating agricultural losses. »
According to him, excessive temperatures can also reduce the productivity of heat-sensitive crops, such as wheat, maize, and rice, leading to lower yields.
