Morocco records its hottest September since 1981

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By: Azzat Manal

Morocco records its hottest September since 1981

Morocco experienced an exceptional spell of heat in September 2026, making it the hottest September in the country since 1981, according to reported climate data. The national temperature average exceeded the 1991–2020 reference period by 2.75°C, surpassing previous September records and highlighting the intensity of the heat recorded across the kingdom.

The latest figures place September 2026 well above earlier exceptionally warm Septembers. The previous notable anomalies included a temperature increase of 1.99°C above the reference average in September 1987 and 1.78°C in September 2020. The new record illustrates the growing pressure that extreme temperatures can place on communities, infrastructure and natural resources.

Several atmospheric conditions contributed to the unusually hot weather. Warm air masses originating in tropical regions moved toward North Africa, while Chergui winds carried hot, dry air from the Sahara toward central and western parts of Morocco. These winds can cause temperatures to rise sharply, particularly when they persist over several days.

The continued presence of a high-pressure system, commonly described as a heat dome, also helped intensify the conditions. Such systems can suppress cloud formation and limit the arrival of cooler air. As air descends through the atmosphere, it compresses and warms, contributing to higher temperatures near the ground and allowing heat to persist.

Several Moroccan cities recorded new September temperature records during the month. In Sidi Slimane, temperatures reached 47.1°C on September 3, exceeding the previous record of 45.8°C set in 1988. Kenitra registered 45.1°C on the same day, above its previous September high of 44.6°C recorded in 2006. Nearby Salé also experienced exceptional heat, with temperatures reaching 44.3°C, surpassing the earlier record of 43.6°C set in 2021.

In Laayoune, temperatures climbed to 45.8°C on September 8, establishing a new record for the month. The previous September high stood at 45°C and dated back to 2005. These readings demonstrate that the exceptional heat affected different parts of the country, although local weather patterns and geographical conditions influenced the intensity of the temperature increases.

The record comes amid growing international concern about the effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures increase the likelihood of certain extreme heat events, while local atmospheric conditions can determine how severe an individual episode becomes. Scientists distinguish between the immediate weather factors behind a particular heatwave and longer-term climate trends, which require analysis of observations collected over many years.

Extreme heat can have consequences for public health, agriculture, water supplies and energy demand. Prolonged high temperatures increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, particularly among older people, outdoor workers and individuals with existing health vulnerabilities. They can also raise irrigation needs, put additional pressure on already limited water resources and increase demand for electricity used for cooling.

Morocco, which faces recurring drought and water scarcity, has particular reasons to monitor temperature extremes and their wider effects. Accurate forecasting, public heat alerts and measures to protect vulnerable populations can help reduce risks, while longer-term adaptation efforts may include improving water management, expanding urban shade and green spaces, and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems.

The country's General Directorate of Meteorology continues to monitor weather patterns and climate indicators to provide updated information and support planning across different sectors. September's record temperatures underline the importance of sustained climate observation and preparedness as Morocco responds to increasingly challenging environmental conditions.