Latest news with #HoucineYouabed
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.
Morocco World
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
Heavy Rainfall to Continue in Several Provinces Across Morocco
Rabat – Many provinces across Morocco continue to experience heavy rain and snowfall, which comes as a relief to the agricultural season marred by the persistent drought in the country. Morocco's weather office issued a new alert on Tuesday, forecasting heavy and thunderstorms as well as snowfall above 2,000 meters. The rain is forecast to fall at a rate of 50 and 70 millimeters, affecting the provinces of Tangier-Assilah, Fahs Anjra, Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kaceem, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Oezzane, Taounate, Taza, and Al Hoceima from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Rainfall of 25 to 35 millimeters will also affect the provinces of Rabat, Sale, Skhirat-Temara, Khemisset, Ifrane, Khenifra, Sidi Slimane, Fez, Meknes, and Moulay Yacoub from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. today. Snowfall of 10 to 30 centimeters above 2,000 meters is expected today from 1 p.m. to midnight in the provinces of Azilal, Al Haouz, Midelt, Ifrane, and Tinghir as well as in Boulemane. The same weather will continue for almost a week, covering many provinces from the north to the south. Experts explained that the weather is due to the Jana storm that has been impacting Western Europe. Houcine Youabed, head of the communication service at Morocco's Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) said on Monday that water reservoirs w ill benefit from the rain, as will the country's agriculture , although the perception comes too little too late. Youabed also called for extreme vigilance due to the risks of flooding and sudden torrents. 'It is important to follow the weather alert bulletins and avoid any recklessness, particularly in riverbeds,' the communications director warned. Tangier recorded the highest rainfall at 82 millimeters, followed by Rabat with 66 millimeters, and Casablanca with 42 millimeters, he added. Tags: agriculturedelay in rainfall in Morocco
Ya Biladi
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Ya Biladi
Rainfall brings relief to Morocco after prolonged dry spell
After a dry first half of winter, heavy rainfall swept across Morocco this weekend, ending several weeks of drought, said Houcine Youabed, head of the partnership and communication service at the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM). These widespread rains were triggered by the deep depression «JANA», which first hit Western Europe before reaching Morocco. The system brought significant downpours, particularly in Tangier (82 mm), Rabat (66 mm), and Casablanca (42 mm), as well as in the Atlas Mountains and the Souss region. «These rains were essential after several months of drought», emphasized Youabed, adding that precipitation is expected to continue throughout the week, with further disturbances anticipated over the Rif, the Middle and High Atlas, and the northern Atlantic plains. Snowfall is also expected on peaks above 1,600 meters, while moderate to heavy rainfall will continue through Thursday, particularly in Tangier, the Rif, and the Atlantic plains. While this rain brings much-needed relief for agriculture and groundwater replenishment, the DGM urges caution due to the risk of flash floods, especially in vulnerable areas. «It is important to follow weather bulletins and take necessary precautions, particularly near wadis», warned Youabed. After a dry and concerning start to winter, this rainy spell presents an opportunity for spring crops and improved water resource management in a climate increasingly marked by pronounced fluctuations.
Morocco World
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
Recent Rainfall Ends First Half of Winter Marked by Precipitation Deficit in Morocco
Rabat – Almost a week of rainfall has brought relief and renewed hope across Morocco, as the North African kingdom has been grappling with challenging circumstances due to drought. Recently, however, many Moroccan provinces witnessed significant rainfall, contributing to filling the country's dams and benefiting the agricultural season. 'These rains affected the entire country, from the North to the Southern provinces, including the interior regions, the center, and the east of Morocco,' Houcine Youabed, head of the communication service at Morocco's Meteorology Directorate, said on Monday. Tangier recorded the highest rainfall at 82 millimeters, followed by Rabat with 66 millimeters, and Casablanca with 42 millimeters. Youabed acknowledged that the recent weather conditions are due to a storm called Jana, which has been affecting Western Europe. It produced significant rainfall, which is particularly significant after several months of drought, he said, adding that this weather system will continue to affect the country, with rainfall covering the Rif, Middle, and High Atlas and the northern Atlantic plains. In addition to rainfall, snowfall is also expected in mountainous areas above 1,600 meters in altitude. 'By Thursday, moderate to heavy rains will affect several regions, notably Tangier, the Rif, and the Atlantic plains,' he said, emphasizing the importance of the rains. The water resources will benefit from the rain, as will agriculture, although the perception came late, he said, calling for vigilance due to the risks of flooding and sudden torrents. 'It is important to follow the weather alert bulletins and avoid any recklessness, particularly in riverbeds,' he warned. Morocco has taken bold measures to tackle drought, with the latest being King Mohammed VI's instructions to cancel Eid Al Adha sacrifice rituals. 'Our concern to enable you to observe this religious ritual in the best circumstances is accompanied by our duty to consider the climate and economic challenges facing our country, which have led to a significant disease in livestock numbers,' the monarch said in his directives in February. Tags: a cold weatherheavy rainfall
