Morocco recorded its hottest September since 1981, with temperatures significantly exceeding the country's average climate reference for the period between 1991 and 2020. According to data from the General Directorate of Meteorology, September 2026 was 2.75 degrees Celsius above the national average. This exceptional climatic situation was attributed to several atmospheric factors, including the flow of warm air masses of tropical origin and the impact of hot "easterly" winds.
The extreme heatwave that gripped Morocco in September 2026 surpassed previous records for the month. In 1987, the temperature was 1.99 degrees Celsius above average, while in 2020, it was 1.78 degrees Celsius above average. The current heatwave was characterized by a "heat dome" phenomenon, resulting from high pressure dominating the upper layers of the atmosphere, which trapped hot air and amplified temperatures near the Earth's surface.
Several Moroccan cities recorded all-time high temperatures in September 2026. Sidi Slimane reached 47.1 degrees Celsius on September 3, surpassing the previous record of 45.8 degrees Celsius set in 1988. The cities of Kenitra and Salé also experienced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 45.1 degrees Celsius and 44.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. These records were part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events associated with climate change.
The southern regions of Morocco were also affected by the heatwave, with temperatures in Laayoune reaching 45.8 degrees Celsius on September 8, exceeding the previous record of 45 degrees Celsius set in 2005. These extreme weather events occurred in a global context marked by increasing climate change impacts and extreme weather phenomena.
The General Directorate of Meteorology continued to monitor and analyze these climate indicators to support planning and enhance the resilience of various vital sectors to accelerating climate change. The Directorate's data and research aimed to inform decision-making and promote climate-resilient development in Morocco.
Climate change was cited as a contributing factor to the extreme heatwave that affected Morocco in September 2026. Rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns were associated with an increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
The impacts of the heatwave on Morocco's population, economy, and environment were not immediately available. However, the event highlighted the need for continued climate monitoring, research, and planning to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote sustainable development in the country.
Key points
- Morocco recorded its hottest September on record since 1981, with temperatures 2.75 degrees Celsius above the national average.
- Several Moroccan cities, including Sidi Slimane, Kenitra, and Salé, recorded all-time high temperatures in September 2026.
- The extreme heatwave was attributed to a combination of atmospheric factors, including the flow of warm air masses and the impact of hot "easterly" winds.
