Morocco is preparing for a spell of severe winter weather marked by snowfall, heavy rain and a sharp drop in temperatures through the end of the week, the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) said on Friday.
Under an orange-level weather alert, the DGM forecast snowfall ranging between 10 and 20 centimetres on elevations above 1,700 metres on Saturday, from midnight until 6:00 p.m., affecting the provinces of Ifrane, Khenifra, Midelt, Taza, Sefrou, Boulemane and Beni Mellal.
Heavier snowfall is expected on Sunday in the same areas, with accumulations of between 15 and 35 centimetres above 1,500 metres, from midday until 11:00 p.m., according to the national weather authority.
During the same period, additional snowfall of 5 to 15 centimetres is forecast in the provinces of Al Hoceima, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Al Haouz, Figuig, Jerada, Taourirt and Guercif, the DGM said.
The meteorological authority also warned of heavy rainfall accompanied by occasional thundershowers. Rainfall totals of between 35 and 60 millimetres are expected on Sunday, from midnight until 11:00 p.m., in Fahs-Anjra, Larache, Tanger-Assilah, Ouezzane, M’diq-Fnideq, Kenitra, Al Hoceima and Chefchaouen.
Moderate to locally heavy rain of 25 to 35 millimetres is also forecast over the same period in Sidi Kacem, Driouch, Khemisset, Rabat, Salé, Skhirate-Temara, Meknes, Moulay Yacoub, Taza and Sidi Slimane.
In addition to snowfall and rain, the DGM warned of a sharp cold snap from Friday through Sunday in mountainous areas above 1,600 metres. Temperatures are expected to drop to between minus 8 and minus 4 degrees Celsius in several provinces, including Boulemane, Ifrane, Midelt, Khenifra, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Tinghir, Ouarzazate, Al Haouz, Taroudant and Chichaoua.
Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to take necessary precautions, particularly in mountainous and flood-prone areas, as the adverse weather conditions could disrupt transport and daily activities.
The General Directorate of Meteorology regularly issues colour-coded alerts to warn of potentially dangerous weather conditions and advises the public to follow official updates and safety instructions.
