Rabat – A new weather alert forecasts heavy thunderstorms and snowfall are hitting several Moroccan provinces today.
The weather office said thunderstorms between 30 and 50 millimeters and hail was expected to start this morning until 4 p.m. in the provinces of Fez, Moulay Yacoub, and Taounate.
The same weather is forecast to have begun in the provinces of Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, Oujda-Angad, Taourirt, Guercif, Berkane, Driouch, Nador, Jerada, and Boulemane from 1 p.m to 7 p.m.
Snowfall of 5 to 15 centimeters is also expected at altitudes exceeding 1,600 meters. This weather is forecast to have begun at 9 a.m. and last through 6 p.m. in Al Haouz, Azilal, Midelt, Tinghir, Beni Mellal, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Ifrane, and Boulemane.
The rain alerts are good news for Morocco, which has been affected by serious drought waves for six seasons in a row.
Alarming statistics show that Morocco’s water reserves in dams do not exceed 4.6 billion cubic meters, with a filling rate of 28%.
The situation affects not only drinking water but also Morocco’s agriculture season. Lack of rainfall and drought has prompted the Moroccan government and monarchy to take significant measures, including the decision to cancel the Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual.
King Mohammed VI last week announced the measure, while sharing concerns about Morocco’s water stress.
In recent years, Morocco has turned to imports of necessary commodities in order to meet local demands, including red meat and livestock from Australia, Romania, and other markets.
It remains to be seen whether the rain forecasts for provinces across the country could help mitigate the challenges.
