Unseasonably high temperatures in Morocco have triggered strong thunderstorms in several regions, especially in mountainous areas, leading to flash floods in a recurring summer weather pattern. The phenomenon has reignited calls for heightened public awareness and vigilance during this time of year.
On Wednesday, the General Directorate of Meteorology issued an orange-level weather alert warning of thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds. Rainfall amounts between 15 and 25 millimeters are expected in the provinces of El Hajeb, Ifrane, Boulemane, Sefrou, Taza, Khenifra, Azilal, Beni Mellal, and Midelt, particularly between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Experts point to the convergence of specific climatic factors, notably high temperatures and elevated humidity levels, as key contributors to the formation of intense summer thunderstorms. They emphasize the importance of proactive public education and increased local preparedness to mitigate risks.
Mohamed Said Karrouk, a climatology professor at Hassan II University in Casablanca, told Hespress AR that two primary conditions must align for such thunderstorms to occur: heat and high atmospheric humidity. “When hot, moisture-laden air rises, it meets cooler air masses at higher altitudes, causing the moisture to condense rapidly and form thunderstorms,” Karrouk explained.
“These storms are typical across all mountainous areas in Morocco, especially during the early to mid-afternoon hours when temperatures peak,” he added. Karrouk urged authorities and communities to learn how to harness the water resources from these heavy rains, which can be torrential and destructive when concentrated over short periods.
Environmental expert Mostafa Benraml, president of the Ecological Beacons Association for Development and Climate, classified the recent storms as part of Morocco’s seasonal thunderstorm pattern. He noted that these weather events are driven by the upward movement of humid air masses from the south, which collide with cooler, moisture-rich air from the north and the Atlantic Ocean.
Speaking to Hespress AR, Benraml stressed the need for Morocco’s meteorological authorities to issue regular warnings ahead of such events to protect residents. “Early warnings can help prevent casualties by urging people to avoid rivers and valleys susceptible to sudden floods,” he said, adding that local governments and civil society also bear responsibility for raising awareness and preparedness.
Morocco has previously witnessed severe damage from similar storms, including a deadly flash flood in the village of Tizirt in the Taroudant province during the summer of 2019. That incident claimed multiple lives after torrential rains suddenly swept through a makeshift football field near a normally dry riverbed.
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