Morocco weather: Autumn begins on September 23, but high temperatures linger

Yesterday 10:12

Astronomical autumn will officially begin on September 23, marking the seasonal transition in the Northern Hemisphere. In Morocco, however, the arrival of autumn on the astronomical calendar is not expected to bring an immediate end to the warm conditions that have characterized recent days.

The persistence of elevated temperatures illustrates the difference between an astronomical season and the weather conditions experienced at ground level. While the equinox signals a major change in the Earth’s seasonal cycle, atmospheric conditions can remain closer to summer for several days or even weeks.

What the September equinox means

The autumn equinox occurs when the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator toward the Southern Hemisphere. Around this period, day and night are nearly equal in length.

For countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including Morocco, the equinox marks the beginning of a gradual reduction in daylight. From that point onward, nights progressively become longer as the region moves toward the winter solstice in December.

The astronomical event should not, however, be interpreted as an immediate meteorological shift.

Hussein Youabed, head of communications at Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), stressed that the arrival of astronomical autumn does not necessarily coincide with an abrupt decline in temperatures.

Rain and thunderstorms expected in several regions

Morocco is nevertheless expected to experience localized weather changes in parts of the country.

According to Youabed, isolated thundery showers could affect the Rif, southern parts of the Oriental region, Souss, the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas. Some thunderstorms could be accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts.

These conditions reflect the gradual transition taking place in the atmosphere as the country moves away from the summer period.

Along coastal areas, low clouds could also develop, bringing periods of fog or drizzle. Such conditions are likely to contrast with the warmer weather expected across much of the interior.

Southern and inland areas remain particularly warm

Despite the possibility of localized showers and thunderstorms, much of Morocco is expected to continue experiencing sunny conditions and relatively high temperatures.

The southern provinces, southeastern areas, inland parts of Souss and several interior plains are expected to remain among the warmer parts of the country.

The situation highlights the uneven nature of the seasonal transition. While some mountainous and northern areas may experience more autumn-like weather, other regions can continue to record temperatures more commonly associated with late summer.

A gradual cooling trend expected in October

The DGM expects temperatures to begin easing during the following week, although the transition is unlikely to be linear.

According to Youabed, late September may still bring temporary increases in temperatures before a more consistent decline develops at the beginning of October.

This period is therefore expected to be marked by significant fluctuations, with warmer spells alternating with cooler conditions characteristic of the approaching autumn season.

Morocco moves into a period of weather contrasts

The September equinox should consequently be viewed as the beginning of a transition rather than an immediate break with summer weather.

For Morocco, the coming weeks could combine several contrasting patterns: localized thunderstorms in mountainous and northern regions, coastal fog and drizzle, as well as persistent warmth in southern and inland areas.

The gradual evolution of temperatures toward more autumnal levels is expected to become clearer as October approaches, when the seasonal shift should become increasingly visible in daily weather conditions.