Moroccan heat wave threatens water security
Over the past few days, Morocco has been hit by an extreme heat wave, with more than three-quarters of the country on orange alert, as reported by RFI (7th August). As temperatures have hit over 40 degrees, water insecurity is worsening.
Thermometers showed highs of 45 degrees on 6th August in Marrakech and Fez and 47 degrees in Tata, in the Souss-Massa region, according to Maroc Météo forecasts. Alongside the orange alert, meteorological authorities placed 22 areas at “significant risk” due to high temperatures and thunderstorms. The weather in Morocco has been hotter this year than the seasonal average by 3.5 to 4 degrees, but Fez has experienced temperatures up to 10 degrees higher than average.
Water stress, already a prominent issue in Morocco, is heightened by such periods of hot weather. The country has been suffering from a lack of water for seven years, and even last June, over 17 regions passed the 40-degree mark during the hottest part of the year.
Providing citizens with drinking water is a challenge when reservoirs run dry. Morocco operates 17 desalination plants, with more under construction and in the pipeline, according to Morocco World News.
Factors affecting this year’s drought include mismanagement of resources and poor policy decisions. Climate change has exacerbated any impacts already felt. Compounding effects due to years of droughts are repeatedly pressuring water resources, livestock health and longevity, crop yields, fuel prices, and unemployment levels.
The heat wave has caused issues for residents who have had to adapt their sleeping habits, as reported by the outlet. Zakaria, a resident of the former capital, said, “For me, as a Moroccan and a native of Fez, I got used to the heat. I just need to change my sleep habits to be able to sleep well.”
Some have fled to coastal or mountainous areas to escape the intense heat. A manager of a hotel 66km from Marrakech in the High Atlas, cited the altitude as the reason why the mountain air is fresher, cooler and more appealing to guests.
RFI, Morocco World News, Maghrebi
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