According to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), Saturday was the hottest day in the history of measurements in the country. The thermometers in the city of Sidi Slimane in northwest Morocco showed a record high of 49.6 degrees Celsius that day.

The experts of the General Directorate of Customs explain that “the heat is caused by a mass of dry and hot air coming from the south, which has led to a noticeable rise in temperature.” Meteorologists expect milder weather in the north and east of the country over the next few days.

Last year was the warmest in the history of measurements in Morocco; Meteorologists reported in the statement that the average annual temperature exceeded 1.4 degrees Celsius compared to the climatic standards for the years 1981-2010.

Similar heat has hit Spain, Canada and the United States this year. According to AFP, most scientists believe that heat is an indicator of global warming.