Severe Weather Alert as Snow, Heavy Rain, and Strong Winds Hit Morocco

Rabat — Morocco braces for a sharp weather shift as a wide-ranging spell of severe conditions is expected to affect dozens of provinces from Monday to Wednesday, according to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM).

The forecast points to a combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, snowfall in high-altitude areas, and notably cold temperatures, with impacts likely across northern, eastern, and central regions.

On Monday, powerful wind gusts between 75 and 90 km/h may hit large parts of the country, from the Mediterranean coast to inland and eastern provinces.

Coastal and northern areas such as Tanger-Assilah, Tetouan, M’Diq-Fnideq, Larache, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima face particularly exposed conditions, alongside provinces including Fez, Kenitra, Taounate, Ifrane, Midelt, and Errachidia. 

The DGM placed these areas under an orange vigilance alert, a signal of potentially disruptive weather.

Mountain regions prepare for significant snowfall. At elevations above 1,500 meters, snow depths may reach 40 to 60 centimeters between Monday afternoon and Wednesday midday in provinces such as Ifrane, Midelt, Boulemane, Taza, Sefrou, Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Tinghir, and parts of Al Hoceima. 

Other mountainous areas, including Al Haouz, Azilal, Ouarzazate, and Chefchaouen, may record accumulations between 10 and 40 centimeters.

Heavy rain adds to the weather pressure. Northern provinces, notably Tanger-Assilah, Fahs-Anjra, Ouezzane, Tetouan, Larache, and Al Hoceima, may receive between 50 and 80 millimeters of rain from Monday morning through Tuesday midday. 

Further inland, provinces such as Kenitra, Sale, Sidi Kacem, Meknes, Fez, Khenifra, Azilal, and Beni Mellal could see rainfall totals of 30 to 50 millimeters.

Cold conditions round out the forecast. On Tuesday, temperatures may drop to between minus six and zero degrees Celsius in Al Haouz, Azilal, Tinghir, Midelt, and Ouarzazate, a level of cold that raises concern for road safety and vulnerable populations.

Authorities call for caution, particularly in mountainous zones and areas prone to flooding or strong winds, and advise the public to follow official updates as the situation unfolds.