Morocco weather: Hot conditions persist with scattered thunderstorms

Morocco is bracing for a day of significant temperature contrasts and varied weather patterns on Saturday. The General Directorate of Meteorology forecasts continued hot conditions across several regions, including Sais, Mellouya, the interior of Gharb and Souss, the plains of Tadla and Rehamna, Chichaoua, and the southeastern parts of the country, as well as the Sahara provinces.

Coastal areas facing the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the north and Souss, along with the Mediterranean facade, can expect low clouds and fog. Meanwhile, the Greater and Middle Atlas mountains and their eastern slopes are likely to experience thunderstorms, potentially accompanied by hail. Scattered rain showers with thunder are also predicted for the southeast, southern Oriental region, interior Souss, the Anti-Atlas, and the far south of the Sahara provinces.

Wind is expected to be relatively strong in the Atlas mountains, central coasts, southern Oriental region, and southern provinces, with a possibility of localized dust. Temperatures will show considerable variation. Minimum temperatures are projected to be between 27 and 33 degrees Celsius in the Chichaoua, Souss, southeastern, and eastern Sahara regions. In contrast, the Atlas and Rif mountains and coastal areas will see lows between 13 and 18 degrees. Most other parts of the kingdom will experience lows between 22 and 27 degrees.

Daytime temperatures are expected to rise slightly in the Oriental region and Gharb, while decreasing in other areas. The sea will be calm along the Mediterranean coast, calm to slightly rough in the Strait of Gibraltar and north of Mohammedia, and slightly rough to rough along the southern coast. Cities like Oujda and Beni Mellal could see highs reaching 42 and 42 degrees Celsius respectively, while Ifrane in the Atlas mountains will be much cooler with a high of 31 degrees.