Morocco braces for severe weather with thunderstorms and extreme heat

Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning, placing several provinces on orange alert due to expected thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. The alert signifies a need to raise vigilance levels across the affected regions.

The forecast indicates that areas including Ifrane, Midelt, Boulmane, Sefrou, Kercif, Taza, Driouch, Figuig, Jerada, Oujda-Angad, and Taourirt will experience thunderstorms with rainfall between 25 and 35 millimeters. These storms will be accompanied by hail, locally known as "tabarouri," and powerful wind gusts. The phenomenon is expected to occur from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Saturday.

These thunderstorms are forecast to continue into Sunday, August 16, during the same hours, affecting provinces such as Al Hoceima, Sefrou, Kercif, Taza, Taourirt, Ifrane, and Driouch. This weather pattern primarily impacts the northern and central parts of the kingdom.

In parallel, the southern regions of Morocco are bracing for extremely hot weather. Temperatures are predicted to range between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with the orange alert level maintained for provinces including Oued Ed-Dahab, Tata, Boujdour, Assa-Zag, Aousserd, and Smara. This dual weather forecast highlights significant climatic contrasts across the country.