Morocco is bracing for another strong heat wave starting Saturday, with the Directorate General of Meteorology warning that the hot spell is expected to last until Tuesday. The weather authority issued an orange-level alert because of the intensity and spread of the heat, with temperatures forecast to climb to between 37°C and 44°C across many parts of the country.

The hottest conditions are expected in southern and southeastern provinces, where temperatures may reach 41°C to 44°C in places including Laayoune, Dakhla, Smara, Assa-Zag, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd, Tarfaya, Tan-Tan, Taroudant and Tata. Inland and central areas such as Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Kenitra, Khouribga, Settat, Beni Mellal, Khenifra and El Kelaa des Sraghna are forecast to see 37°C to 41°C, while Casablanca, Mohammedia, El Jadida, Safi and Essaouira are expected to range between 34°C and 37°C.

The warning comes as the country moves through a stretch of unsettled summer weather that combines heat with local thunderstorms, fog and stronger winds. From Saturday, thunderstorms are expected over the Atlas Mountains, the Rif, the Saiss region and parts of the eastern high plateaus, with some cells possibly reaching western areas and phosphate plateaus. Morning and nighttime fog is also likely along northern and central coastal areas, while wind conditions are expected to strengthen in northern regions such as Tangier and in the southern provinces, raising the risk of local dust lifting.

Temperatures are expected to rise again from Monday before a gradual drop begins on Wednesday across most regions of Morocco. Cooler and more stable conditions are expected to return by midweek, but the short-term concern is the combination of extreme heat and fast-changing conditions that can affect travel, outdoor work and daily routines in several parts of the country. The forecast arrives as Morocco continues to face a broad weather pattern that touches the south, the interior and the coast at the same time.