Latest news with #DirectorateGeneralofMeteorology
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Climate
- Morocco World
Morocco Faces Thunderstorms, Hail, and Extreme Heat This Weekend
Rabat — Morocco will face a spell of severe weather combined with a powerful heatwave from Friday to Monday, the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) has warned. Citizens are advised to remain cautious as thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are expected in some regions, while other areas will experience record-high temperatures. The DGM issued an orange-level alert for Friday afternoon and evening in several Moroccan provinces. Khenifra, Khouribga, Settat, Youssoufia, Al Haouz, Marrakech, and Rehamna should prepare for thunderstorms with hail and gusty winds producing rainfall between 15 and 30 millimeters. Residents in these areas are urged to take precautions and avoid exposure during the stormy hours. At the same time, soaring temperatures will affect a broad range of provinces. On Friday, Ouezzane, Taounate, Sidi Kacem, Moulay Yacoub, Fez, Settat, Beni Mellal, Khouribga, Fquih Ben Salah, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, Rehamna, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Youssoufia, Taroudant, and Guelmim are expected to see highs between 42 and 46 °C. Meanwhile, southern provinces such as Tata, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Boujdour, Aousserd, and Oued Ed-Dahab will face even more extreme temperatures, ranging from 44 to 47 °C, and this heat will persist until Monday. The weekend will continue with intense heat across multiple regions. On Saturday and Sunday, temperatures between 43 and 47 °C are forecast for Ouezzane, Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Slimane, Sidi Kacem, Fquih Ben Salah, Settat, Rehamna, Marrakech, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, and Taroudant. Other provinces and cities, including Tanger-Assilah, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Taounate, Moulay Yacoub, Khemisset, Sale, Khouribga, Khenifra, Settat, Benslimane, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Safi, Essaouira, Chichaoua, Al Haouz, and Guelmim, will record temperatures ranging from 40 to 44 °C. From Sunday to Monday, northern and eastern provinces, including Fahs-Anjra, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Oujda-Angad, Berkane, Taourirt, Guercif, Taza, Nador, and Driouch will experience highs between 39 and 44 °C. On Monday, these same highs are also expected in a large number of provinces across the central and southern regions. The DGM reminds people should avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours or when storms approach, stay hydrated, and follow local alerts for any changes in conditions. Tags: hailheatwaveMoroccoWeatherweather alertweather in Morocco
Ya Biladi
05-08-2025
- Climate
- Ya Biladi
Morocco : Temperatures up to 47°C and thunderstorms from Tuesday to Friday
A sweltering heatwave, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds, is set to sweep across several Moroccan provinces from Tuesday to Friday, according to an orange-level alert issued by the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM). Temperatures are predicted to soar between 40 and 44°C on Tuesday and Wednesday in the provinces of Taza, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Ouezzane, Rehamna, Beni Mellal, Meknès, Fès, Moulay Yacoub, Khouribga, Settat, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Khémisset, Youssoufia, Taounate, and Taroudant. The mercury is expected to climb even higher, reaching between 44 and 47°C, from Tuesday to Friday in the provinces of Tata, Assa-Zag, Es-Semara, Oued Ed-Dahab, Boujdour, and Aousserd, as reported by the same source. Furthermore, thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds are forecasted for Tuesday between 1 PM and 10 PM in the provinces of Tinghir, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Khénifra, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Khouribga, Al Haouz, Chichaoua, El Kelaa des Sraghna, and Azilal, with expected rainfall amounts ranging from 15 to 30 mm.
Gulf Insider
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Omani Groom Stranded By Floodwaters On Wedding Day Amid Heavy Rains In Al Mudhaibi
What was meant to be the happiest day of his life took an unexpected turn for an Omani groom who found himself stranded en route to his wedding hall after flash floods swept through the wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, in North Al Sharqiyah governorate. The groom, who was reportedly driving a 4×4 vehicle, was caught by rising floodwaters from overflowing wadis triggered by days of heavy rainfall. Despite the vehicle's off-road capabilities, he was unable to reach the venue in time. It is still unclear whether the ceremony was delayed or canceled altogether. The incident occurred amid severe weather conditions sweeping across the Sultanate. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued multiple advisories in recent days warning of thunderstorms, hail, and strong downwinds across several governorates. According to the Directorate General of Meteorology, affected areas include Musandam, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah, and both North and South Al Sharqiyah. Cumulus cloud activity and active downward wind patterns, stretching from Shinas in the north to Jalan Bani Bu Ali in the southeast, have led to poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions, particularly near flood-prone wadis. Footage shared on local media showed vehicles halted on waterlogged roads, while authorities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid low-lying areas.
Morocco World
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
Strong Thunderstorms Expected Across Morocco
Rabat – Strong thunderstorms are expected to hit several provinces across Morocco, with hail and wind also forecasted today. The weather alert from the Directorate General of Meteorology suggested that rainfall will produce 15 and 25 millimeters from Tuesday afternoon to the evening. Rainfall is expected to hit several provinces, including Taza, Sefrou, El Hajeb, and Ifrane. The same weather will also concern Al Hoceima, Guercif, Khenifra, and Khemisset. Last week saw rising temperatures in Morocco, particularly during the weekend, when Moroccans celebrated Eid Al Adha without the sacrifice ritual. Temperatures have cooled down in several provinces this week, including in Rabat. The temperature now stands at about 24 degrees Celsius in several provinces, while lower temperatures range between 16 and 17 degrees. Rising temperatures will go back to between 26 and 29 degrees, starting next Sunday. Tags: bad weathermorocco rainfall
Ya Biladi
04-06-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
To what extent does global climate change affect Morocco ?
Over the past week, the latest data have been more alarming than ever, confirming long-standing scientific predictions. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is now an 80% chance that the record set by 2024 as the hottest year will be broken at least once in the next five years. Rising temperatures, no longer anomalies but the new norm, highlight the growing disruptions in the global climate system. The WMO also reports an 8% probability that at least one of the next five years will exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold compared to the 1850–1900 baseline. In its recent report, the WMO warns there's a 70% chance that the average warming between 2025 and 2029 will surpass 1.5°C, alongside ongoing Arctic warming that outpaces the global average. While long-term warming averaged over decades remains below 1.5°C, precipitation patterns vary widely by region, the organization notes. In this global context, Morocco is far from immune to these trends—especially as it sits in a critical Mediterranean hotspot for climate disruption. Scientists warn of the increasingly irreversible nature of climate change worldwide. Morocco has already recorded historic spikes in seasonal temperatures, worsening the impact of seven years of unprecedented drought and below-average rainfall. Houcine Youabed, Communications Director at the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM), told Yabiladi that Morocco is «fully concerned by the UN's global forecasts», adding that the country is «even more exposed than the global average due to its geographical position». He highlighted that the Mediterranean region is now recognized by the IPCC and other scientific bodies as a «climate hotspot». «You see faster warming here than the global average», Youabed explained, «with clear effects like hotter summers, reduced precipitation—especially in winter—and increased year-to-year variability, meaning alternating dry years and occasional heavy rains. Morocco, located at the crossroads of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Sahara, is particularly vulnerable—especially in its coastal, mountainous, and arid zones». Hotter years Heatwaves and drought in Morocco are directly linked to global warming, though it remains unclear if any recent signs of relief represent a lasting trend. According to Youabed, recent data confirm that the country is «already feeling the tangible effects of climate change». Morocco «has experienced its three hottest years on record consecutively, with heatwaves becoming longer, more frequent, and more intense». One striking example: the August 7–14, 2023 heatwave—the most severe in the nation's history—peaked at 50.4°C in Agadir on August 11, breaking all previous records. Consequently, 2023 was Morocco's hottest year ever, surpassing 2022, with an average temperature anomaly of +1.77°C compared to the 1981–2010 average. Youabed added, «This trend isn't limited to summer. We've seen unusual heat spikes during winter months too—in January, November 2024, and March 2025—bringing temperatures well above seasonal norms. Climate change now affects all seasons». When asked about potential mitigation, he noted that current models suggest these trends will persist unless there is swift, decisive global action. In response, Morocco has launched national efforts focused primarily on adapting to climate impacts —improving water management, developing more resilient agriculture, and establishing early warning systems, Youabed said. These strategies also account for occasional heavy rainfall, helping to plan for future scenarios. The 2024–2025 period, for instance, has seen some positive effects from off-season rains, but it's too early to tell if these shifts mark the start of a new climate pattern with altered wet and dry seasons. Youabed noted that these irregularities may reflect a disrupted climate where seasons shift and extreme weather becomes more frequent—extending wet seasons and increasing the intensity of rainfall over short periods. However, he cautions that «one year isn't enough to confirm a climate shift». Only repeated patterns over several years would indicate a structural change, with major consequences for agriculture, water management, and regional planning.
