Home > Morocco > Morocco Shatters Heat Records in 2022 as Climate Crisis Intensifies
Morocco Shatters Heat Records in 2022 as Climate Crisis Intensifies
Thursday 11 May 2023, by
Morocco faced an exceptionally hot year in 2022, thus setting a new heat record since the beginning of weather observations. According to a report from the Directorate General of Meteorology, the average temperature increased by 1.63 degrees Celsius above the normal for the period 1981-2010.
Thus, 80% of the days of the year recorded temperatures above normal. But what is even more worrying are the four months that set monthly heat records: July, October, November and December. On July 10, an absolute peak of 49.1 degrees Celsius was reached in Smara.
These stifling temperatures have led to extreme weather phenomena. The repeated heat waves between July and September caused several devastating forest fires, particularly in the north of the country.
In addition, the country was hit by powerful winds and eleven storms during the summer period. These storms caused flooding, resulting in limited but significant material damage.
The most serious consequences of this year have been felt in the agricultural sector. Meteorological data reveal that 2022 was the driest year on record, with a 46% deficit compared to normal. Crops have suffered from arid conditions, and cereal production has plummeted alarmingly, reaching a 67% drop compared to the previous agricultural season (2020-2021).
Unfortunately, this prolonged drought is not limited to a single year. The report indicates that the period from 2019 to 2022 has been marked by the four consecutive driest years since the 1960s, with a precipitation deficit of 32%.
The latest statistics from the National Agency for Water and Forests reveal that the drought and heat of 2022 were responsible for a spectacular increase in forest fires, destroying 22,762 hectares. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 700%.