Desert heat waves bring Chergui (hot SE wind) and dust to Essaouira. Safety for kitesurf, wingfoil, surf — when schools cancel and what to do instead.
Most days are Alizés; a few times per season Chergui (hot south-east wind) arrives with dust and chaotic gusts. Wind Essaouira then feels nothing like the usual side-shore playbook — schools pause kite and wing, sometimes surf too if onshore slop dominates.
Signs Chergui is coming
- Forecast swing to SE with rising temperature
- Hazy sky, sand in air, sticky heat
- Harbour flags flapping irregularly
Professional centres cancel rather than teach in unsafe gust bands. Use medina days for culture, hammam, or gear shopping. Essaouira surf weather returns to normal within 24–72 hours typically.
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