Weather change ahead for Morocco after unseasonably high temperatures

Morocco is poised for a significant weather change after several weeks of abnormally high temperatures, which have exceeded seasonal averages by 3 to 5 degrees, according to data from the Direction Générale de la Météorologie (DGM).

This week, the DGM forecasts the arrival of several atmospheric lows, bringing cold air masses from the upper layers of the atmosphere over southern Europe. These disturbances are expected to create instability, particularly toward the end of the week.

Houcine Youaabed, head of communications at the DGM, explained that the westerly current will facilitate the arrival of clouds over northern Morocco, potentially leading to light precipitation. He noted that unstable clouds are expected to form over the Atlas Mountains, resulting in a drop in temperatures following a period of intense heat.

From Monday, unstable clouds generating showers or thunderstorms will impact the High and Middle Atlas regions. Dense clouds are also anticipated over Tangier, Loukkos, the Rif, the western Mediterranean coast, and northwest Morocco, likely bringing localized showers.

The forecast includes light overnight precipitation along the northern and central coasts, as well as in the Saïss and Petit Atlas regions, with partly cloudy skies expected in eastern areas. These weather conditions will be accompanied by relatively strong wind gusts, particularly in the southern provinces, the Mediterranean, and eastern regions, where local dust devils may also occur.

Temperature variations are expected across different regions. In the southeast and far south, daytime temperatures will range from 33 to 39 degrees Celsius. In contrast, mountainous areas in the High and Middle Atlas, along with the Chiadma plains and west of the Petit Atlas, will experience cooler temperatures, between 15 and 22 degrees. Other regions, particularly the southern provinces and inland plains, will see temperatures between 27 and 33 degrees, while various areas of the country will record temperatures between 23 and 28 degrees.

On Tuesday, light morning showers are forecast for Tangier, the Rif, Loukkos, the western Mediterranean, and the Saïss region, as well as northwest Morocco. Youaabed mentioned that relatively dense low clouds, along with occasional local raindrops, will affect the northern and central plains, including Oulmès. The High and Middle Atlas will be partly cloudy, with gusty winds expected in the Saharan provinces.

While daytime temperatures will rise in the central plains and southern coasts on Tuesday, they are expected to drop in other parts of the country, highlighting the variability of weather conditions.

By Wednesday, the DGM forecasting systems indicate that a few clouds will persist over the northwest, bringing scattered showers particularly to Tangier, Loukkos, the Rif, and the Gharb region. The northern plains, Saïss region, and Mediterranean coast may also experience light rain.

The week is expected to conclude under partly cloudy skies, with the potential for localized drops of rain on the central coasts, according to DGM forecasts. These weather fluctuations signify a turning point after a period of exceptional heat and suggest a cooler, wetter atmosphere in the days ahead.