Roasting Under the Sun: Morocco’s Heatwave Pushes Limits of Survival

This summer, Morocco is facing one of the most intense and unforgiving heat waves in its recent history. The country is experiencing daily highs soaring past 45°C (113°F) which is well above seasonal averages.

While Morocco is no stranger to hot summers, last year over 21 people were killed by the heat wave. However, the scale and intensity of this year’s heatwave are unprecedented.

Meteorologists have flagged this as part of a broader climate pattern affecting North Africa, driven by global warming and extreme weather shifts. For millions of Moroccans, the heat is more than uncomfortable, it’s dangerous.

The soaring temperatures have created harsh living conditions, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Urban centers have become heat traps, with concrete buildings radiating warmth long into the night, offering little relief even after sunset. Hospitals are beginning to see an uptick in heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in some cases, heat stroke. Public health warnings are being issued, urging citizens to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and check in on older family members and neighbors.

In response, air conditioning has become Morocco’s most sought-after survival tool. Retailers across the country are reporting a massive spike in sales, with some stores running completely out of inventory. The rush to secure air conditioners is not limited to the wealthy—middle-income households are now stretching their budgets just to keep cool.

“People are buying whatever is available. Even older, less energy-efficient models are flying off the shelves,” said one appliance dealer in Casablanca.

But with this surge comes a sharp rise in electricity consumption and for many households, that means higher energy bills. Morocco’s national grid is feeling the strain as air conditioners run for longer hours, and some fear the possibility of localized power outages if demand continues to climb unchecked.

While air conditioning provides much-needed relief, it also raises concerns about long-term energy sustainability. In rural areas and low-income communities, where air conditioning is still a luxury, families are turning to traditional methods: shaded courtyards, damp cloths, clay jugs of cool water, and nighttime ventilation. But even these methods offer only limited relief under the relentless sun.

This record-breaking heatwave is yet another reminder of North Africa’s vulnerability to climate change. Rising global temperatures, shrinking rainfall, and longer dry seasons are reshaping the region’s environment and its way of life.

Environmentalists warn that unless aggressive climate action is taken, Morocco and its neighbors may face even more extreme weather events in the years to come. Urban planning, renewable energy use, and public awareness campaigns will all be essential to adapting to a hotter future.