🌡️ El Niño 2026 in Morocco: Record Heatwaves & Drought Threat
June 5, 2026 – Latest Update
El Niño is expected to return by mid‑2026, triggering extreme heatwaves and increasing the risk of drought in Morocco. Southern and inland cities will be the most affected.
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected return | Mid‑2026 (May–July) |
| Probability | 80% (June–August 2026), up to 90% thereafter |
| Duration | 9 to 12 months |
| Expected temperatures | Up to 44°C in the south |
🔥 Heatwaves: Most affected Moroccan cities
Extreme heat (41-44°C) : Tata, Es-Semara, Assa-Zag, Boujdour, Oued Eddahab, Aousserd, Tarfaya, Tan-Tan, Taroudant, Laâyoune
Strong heat (37-41°C) : Béni Mellal, Marrakech, Meknès, Fès, Kénitra, Settat, Khouribga, Rabat, Casablanca
💧 Drought risk: A worrying comeback
After 7 years of water stress, Morocco was slowly recovering. The return of El Niño could reduce rainfall, especially in arid southern regions. However, the meteorological authority notes that the impact remains limited and indirect.
❓ FAQ – El Niño & Morocco
📅 When will El Niño return?
Between May and July 2026, peaking around August.
📍 Which cities will be hottest?
Tata, Es-Semara, Boujdour, Oued Eddahab, Laâyoune, Taroudant, Marrakech.
💧 Does El Niño automatically cause drought?
No, but it alters atmospheric patterns and can reduce rainfall in southern Morocco.
