Severe weather forecast extended in Morocco as heavy rain, snow and strong winds expected

Morocco’s weather agency warned Friday of a major storm system expected to bring heavy rain, snow and strong winds across much of the country through the weekend, as the nation prepares for rising seas and hazardous coastal conditions.

The Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) said the instability is caused by an “active low-pressure system” that will lower temperatures and trigger heavy showers and snow in several regions and provinces.

In an interview with Hespress AR, the DGM’s communications chief, El Houssin Youabed, said the Atlantic coast from Tangier to Agadir will experience rough to very rough seas with waves reaching 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet), driven by winds from the west and northwest. Waves of 4 to 6 meters are also expected in the Strait of Gibraltar and along Mediterranean coasts.

Youabed reiterated that the high seas and an accompanying high tide will increase the risk of coastal disturbances, urging residents to avoid all maritime activities.

The DGM forecast continued rainfall on Sunday, particularly in Tangier, Loukos, the Rif region and northwestern provinces, with widespread cloudy skies and scattered showers in other areas including the Saïss plains, Middle Atlas, northern eastern region, Mediterranean coast and central plains.

Snow is expected to persist in the Middle Atlas and Rif mountains, while colder weather is forecast for high plateaus and eastern highlands. The agency also said daytime temperatures could rise slightly on Sunday.

Orange alert issued for heavy rain and hail

In an updated alert released Saturday, the DGM issued an orange-level warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms, with possible hail. The rainfall is expected in two stages:

• Stage 1: Saturday afternoon through early Sunday (3 a.m.) affecting provinces including Settat, Khouribga, Ben Slimane, Khemisset, Taza, Taounate, Sefrou and Moulay Yacoub (20-30 mm), and Azilal and Beni Mellal (30-40 mm).

• Stage 2: From early Sunday to Monday afternoon (3 p.m.), with heavier rainfall (50-80 mm) expected in Tangier-Asilah, M’diq-Fnideq, Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, Ouezzane, Tetouan and Larache.

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures

The DGM warned of significant snow in areas above 1,200 meters, with 20 to 50 cm expected in provinces including Al Haouz, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ifrane, Khenifra, Midelt, Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Sefrou, Taza and Boulemane.

Other provinces such as Taroudant, Chefchaouen, Chichaoua, Taourirt, Al Hoceima and Figuig are expected to receive 10 to 20 cm of snow. Temperatures could fall between minus 3°C and minus 8°C in mountain regions.

Strong winds of 75 to 85 km/h were also forecast, affecting wide areas including Casablanca, Rabat, Salé, Kenitra, as well as southern and central provinces such as Guelmim and Sidi Ifni.

The winds are expected to continue Sunday, especially in the eastern provinces including Nador, Figuig, Taourirt, Errachidia and Jerada.

Outlook for next week

Early next week, showers are expected to continue in Tangier, Loukos and the Rif, while rain is possible in Saïss, phosphate plateaus, Middle Atlas, the northern east and northern plains. Snowfall will persist in the Middle Atlas, with temperatures remaining cold in highlands.

Youabed said weather conditions may remain favorable for rain and showers throughout the week, particularly in mountainous and northern areas, with occasional strong winds and gradually rising daytime temperatures.

The DGM reiterated safety warnings, urging residents to avoid beaches and coastal walkways during high waves, take precautions in mountainous areas, and monitor weather updates and road conditions.

The DGM reported heavy rainfall across Morocco in the past 24 hours, with the highest measurement recorded in the Wislane area of Meknes at 49 mm, followed by Moulay Bousselham (46 mm) and Chefchaouen (45 mm). Other areas recorded significant rain, including Fnideq (41 mm) and M’diq (39 mm).