Morocco is bracing for a significant weather shift, with strong winds, substantial rainfall, potential thunderstorms, snowfall, and plummeting temperatures forecast across several provinces starting Monday and lasting through Wednesday.
Severe Weather Alert Issued for Multiple Provinces
A multi-day weather system will bring hazardous conditions to a wide swath of the country.
- Strong wind gusts, reaching 75 to 90 km/h, are expected in numerous provinces beginning Monday.
- Significant snowfall, up to 60 cm at elevations above 1500m, is anticipated from Monday afternoon through Wednesday.
- Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with accumulations of 50-80 mm, are forecast for coastal and northern regions.
- Temperatures are predicted to drop as low as -6°C in some mountainous areas on Tuesday.
The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange-level vigilance alert for the affected regions. Gusts of wind between 75 and 90 km/h will impact provinces including Al Hoceima, Larache, Fahs-Anjra, Chefchaouen, M’Diq-Fnideq, Tetouan, Tangier-Assilah, Figuig, Nador, Jerada, Oujda-Angad, Taourirt, Berkane, Driouch, Guercif, Ifrane, Taza, Boulemane, Sefrou, Kenitra, Taounate, Fes, El Hajeb, Midelt and Errachidia, starting Monday at midnight and continuing until 6:00 PM.
Snowfall is a major concern, particularly in the higher elevations. From Monday at 2:00 PM to Wednesday at noon, accumulations of 40 to 60 cm are expected above 1500m in Al Hoceima, Sefrou, Boulemane, Taza, Guercif, Ifrane, Midelt, Beni Mellal, Khenifra and Tinghir. Lower elevations, including Al Haouz, Azilal, Ouarzazate and Chefchaouen, could see between 10 and 40 cm of snow during the same period.
Coastal areas and northern provinces are bracing for intense rainfall. Heavy rain and thunderstorms, with accumulations of 50-80 mm, are forecast from Monday at 6:00 AM to Tuesday at noon in Tangier-Assilah, Ouezzane, Fahs-Anjra, Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Larache, M’Diq-Fnideq and Taounate. A similar, though slightly less intense, pattern of 30-50 mm of rainfall is expected in Kénitra, Sidi Kacem, Salé, Sidi Slimane, Khemisset, Taza, Sefrou, Ifrane, Fez, Meknes, El Hajeb, Khenifra, Azilal, Beni Mellal, and Moulay Yaacoub.
What’s the coldest it will get? Temperatures are forecast to dip to -6°C to 0°C on Tuesday in the provinces of Al Haouz, Azilal, Tinghir, Midelt and Ouarzazate.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautions against the harsh weather conditions, including securing loose objects, avoiding travel if possible, and preparing for potential power outages. The DGM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
