Several inland regions of Morocco are expected to face extremely cold conditions from Tuesday through Thursday as a mass of cold polar air moves across the country, bringing freezing temperatures, snowfall and strong winds, the General Directorate of Meteorology said.
In its latest updated warning bulletin, the agency maintained an orange level of alert, warning of a sharp drop in minimum temperatures, snow accumulation in mountainous areas and wind gusts across multiple provinces.
Minimum temperatures are forecast to range between minus 13 and minus 4 degrees Celsius in provinces including Tinghir, Al Haouz, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ifrane, Midelt and Boulemane. Temperatures between minus 6 and zero degrees are expected in Jerada, Taourirt, Khénifra, Sefrou, Al Hoceima, Guercif, Taza, Chefchaouen, Figuig, Chichaoua, Taroudant and Ouarzazate.
The weather service said the cold spell is linked to the eastward movement of a low pressure system, allowing the Azores high to extend southward and drive a polar air mass across parts of Europe and North Africa, including Morocco. The cold wave is expected to peak midweek, particularly on Wednesday, with temperatures dropping 5 to 15 degrees below seasonal averages.
The impact is expected to be strongest in inland areas and the Atlas Mountains, where minimum temperatures could fall below minus 15 degrees Celsius in higher elevations, increasing the risk of frost and ice.
Snowfall of 15 to 25 centimeters is forecast in areas above 1,200 meters, including Ifrane, Boulemane, Khénifra, Al Haouz, Tinghir, Taroudant, Ouarzazate, Midelt, Azilal and Beni Mellal. Areas above 900 meters may receive 5 to 10 centimeters.
Wind gusts of 75 to 85 kilometers per hour are also expected in several provinces through early Wednesday.
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