Rabat – Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has warned of unstable and severe weather conditions expected to affect several regions of the country from Friday through Sunday.
In an orange-level weather alert, the weather authority said that locally strong thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts, are expected on Friday in a number of provinces. Rainfall ranging between 15 and 25 millimeters is forecast in Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Safi, Sidi Bennour, Salé, Rabat, El Jadida, and Essaouira, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Heavier rainfall is expected between Saturday night and Sunday morning. It could reach 55 to 75 millimeters in Safi, Essaouira, El Jadida, Sidi Bennour, Berrechid, Casablanca, Mediouna, Nouaceur, as well as Agadir Ida-Outanane, Chtouka Ait Baha, Inzegane-Ait Melloul, and Taroudant.
Rainfall between 35 and 55 millimeters is expected in Kalaat Sraghna, Rehamna, Marrakech, Settat, Chichaoua, Youssoufia, Tiznit, Khénifra, Fquih Ben Saleh, Béni Mellal, Azilal, Al Haouz, Mohammedia, Khouribga, and Benslimane.
The weather authority also warned of snowfall in mountainous areas starting from elevations of 1,500 meters. Snow accumulation of 20 to 40 centimeters is expected in Azilal, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Ifrane, Al Haouz, and Tinghir, while 10 to 15 centimeters could fall in Boulemane, Khénifra, Chichaoua, Taroudant, Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, and Béni Mellal on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, strong winds with speeds between 75 and 85 km/h are forecast on Saturday, from 1 a.m. until noon, in Safi, Chichaoua, Sidi Bennour, Essaouira, and El Jadida.
The meteorological directorate also noted that very cold weather is expected, with temperatures ranging between -3 and -7 degrees Celsius, in Midelt, Boulemane, Tinghir, Azilal, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Al Haouz, Taroudant, and Ifrane, from Friday through Sunday.
Authorities advise citizens to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to flooding and in mountainous regions affected by snow and freezing temperatures.