Summer is usually a time for enjoying the sun, the beach, and the outdoors. But for some people, summer can also bring unbearable heat, drought, and fire.
This is what happened in Morocco this year, where a series of heat waves hit the country with unprecedented intensity and duration.
The heat waves broke national and continental records, and caused severe impacts on human health, agriculture, and wildlife.
They also raised concerns about the effects of climate change and the need for adaptation and mitigation.
The causes and consequences of the heat wave
FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images
Morocco has experienced a series of heat waves this summer, with temperatures reaching record-breaking levels.
On Friday, August 11, the meteorological station in the southern coastal city of Agadir recorded a new national record of 50.4°C, surpassing the previous record of 49.9°C in the Western Sahara city of Smara on July 13.
This marks the first time in the country's history that a temperature above 50°C has been reliably observed.
The heat wave is due to the influx of dry and hot air from the south, which causes a significant rise in temperatures, exceeding the monthly average by five to 13 degrees.
The heat wave is also influenced by global climate change, which has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world.
July has been the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. It surpassed the previous record in July 2019 by 0.33°C.
The heat wave has had devastating impacts on human health, agriculture, and wildlife in Morocco. More than 90 people have died from heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Many crops have been damaged or destroyed by the drought and high temperatures, threatening food security and livelihoods.
Several wildfires have also broken out in northern Morocco near Tangier and Taza, destroying forests and forcing evacuations.
The responses and recommendations of the authorities
The Moroccan authorities have taken several measures to cope with the heat wave and mitigate its effects.
They have issued warnings and advisories to the public, urging them to avoid exposure to the sun, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of heat stress.
They have also activated emergency plans and mobilized resources to assist the affected areas, such as providing water tanks, cooling centers, medical teams, and firefighting planes.
There is also a call for more efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Morocco's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious goals to increase renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency has also been highlighted.
Moreover, they have stressed the need for regional and international cooperation and solidarity to address the common challenge of climate change and its impacts.
The authorities have also recommended some actions that individuals can take to help prevent and prepare for future heat waves. They have suggested that people should:
Install fans or air conditioners in their homes or workplaces, or seek shelter in cool places during the hottest hours of the day.
Check on their neighbors, especially the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases, who are more vulnerable to heat stress.
Avoid strenuous physical activities outdoors, such as sports, gardening, or hiking.
Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and loose-fitting clothing to protect themselves from sunburns and skin cancer.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or juice, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks that can cause dehydration.
Eat light meals that are rich in fruits and vegetables, but avoid heavy or spicy foods that can increase body temperature.
