Morocco braces for new wave of severe weather from early next week

Large parts of northern Morocco are set to enter a new phase of severe weather starting early next week, under the influence of a deep Atlantic depression expected to bring sustained heavy rainfall, strong winds and snowfall over higher elevations.

According to data from the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), weather conditions are expected to improve temporarily over the weekend, with relatively stable conditions forecast for Saturday and Sunday across most regions of the country. Light and scattered rainfall may affect the far northwest, but this brief lull is not expected to last, as unsettled conditions are forecast to return forcefully from Monday through the country’s northwestern facade.

Hussein Youabed, head of communication at the DGM, said Morocco will be affected by a deep Atlantic low-pressure system that will generate sometimes heavy rainfall, particularly across the northern half of the kingdom, accompanied by strong winds as the disturbance approaches.

Speaking to Hespress AR, Youabed said the coming week will be “rainy by excellence,” with significant accumulated rainfall, especially in northwestern regions such as Tangier, the Loukkos basin, the Gharb area and western Rif more broadly. He noted that cumulative rainfall totals in these areas are likely to exceed the usual monthly averages for February by a considerable margin.

The same system is also expected to bring snowfall to mountainous areas, particularly in the Atlas and Rif ranges, as temperatures drop with the advance of colder air masses, he added.

In light of the expected weather conditions, the DGM urged citizens to exercise caution, especially in areas prone to water accumulation and flash floods. Authorities advised against attempting to cross wadis and steep slopes, and recommended moving to higher ground as a preventive measure to reduce potential risks.

Youabed stressed the importance of closely following official weather bulletins and warning notices, and adhering to instructions issued by local authorities, underscoring that such measures are essential to ensuring public safety and limiting the impact of the anticipated weather disturbances.