A severe weather alert has been issued for several parts of Morocco as heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and powerful winds sweep across the country this week. The national weather authority has placed multiple regions under orange-level vigilance, signaling significant disruptions and potential dangers.
The first wave of snowfall began Tuesday at 11 a.m., targeting areas located above 1,200 meters in elevation. Snow depths are expected to range between 15 and 25 centimeters in regions including Ifrane, Boulemane, Khénifra, Al Haouz, Tinghir, Taroudant, Ouarzazate, Midelt, Azilal, and Béni Mellal. This initial episode is forecasted to continue until 11 p.m. on the same day.
A second snow front is expected to follow immediately, stretching from Tuesday morning through to 8 a.m. Wednesday. This time, snowfall will reach lower elevations—down to 900 meters—with accumulations between 5 and 15 centimeters. Affected provinces include Taza, Chichaoua, Figuig, Driouch, Jerada, Taourirt, Sefrou, Al Hoceima, Guercif, Berkane, and Oujda-Angad.
At the same time, a widespread cold snap is gripping the country and is expected to persist through Thursday, January 8. In some areas, overnight temperatures could plummet as low as -13°C. The coldest conditions are forecasted in Tinghir, Al Haouz, Azilal, Béni Mellal, Ifrane, Midelt, and Boulemane, with lows ranging between -13°C and -4°C. Meanwhile, temperatures between -6°C and 0°C are expected in Jerada, Taourirt, Khénifra, Sefrou, Al Hoceima, Guercif, Taza, Chefchaouen, Figuig, Chichaoua, Taroudant, and Ouarzazate.
Adding to the challenges, strong wind gusts of up to 85 km/h are predicted to hit several regions from Tuesday morning through the night. Areas expected to experience these high winds include Boulemane, Midelt, Nador, Jerada, Figuig, Driouch, Al Haouz, Tiznit, Tinghir, Taroudant, Sidi Ifni, Ouarzazate, Guelmim, and Assa-Zag.
Authorities are urging residents in the affected zones to exercise caution, especially when traveling or navigating mountainous terrain, as the combination of snow, ice, and wind could lead to dangerous conditions.
