breaking News: Morocco Braces For Widespread Severe Weather – Thunderstorms, Hail, Winds And Snow Expected Across Multiple Provinces
Table of Contents
Authorities warn that a potent weather system will sweep across several regions this weekend, bringing heavy thunderstorms, hail, gusty winds, and elevated snowfall at higher elevations. The alert, issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology, remains active through Monday as conditions are monitored.
Forecasts indicate intense storms beginning Saturday morning, with hail and downpours possible in several coastal and inland provinces. A first wave of heavy rain, ranging from 40 to 55 millimeters, is anticipated from 11:00 a.m. Saturday to 12:00 p.m. Sunday in Taroudant, Chtouka-Ait Baha, Essaouira, agadir-ida-Ou-Tanane and Inezgane-ait Melloul.
Across a broader area, many provinces are expected to experience moderate rainfall totaling 25 to 40 millimeters. These locations include Al Haouz, Azilal, Settat, El Jadida, Safi, Sidi Bennour, Youssoufia, Beni Mellal, Tiznit, Chichaoua, Mohammadia, Khenifra, Fquih Ben Salah, Khouribga, Rabat, Khemisset, Casablanca, mediouna, Berrechid, Benslimane, Skhirate-Temara, Marrakech, Rehamna, Salé, El Kelaa des Sraghna and Nouaceur.
| Region | expected Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taroudant; Chtouka-Ait Baha; Essaouira; Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane; Inezgane-Ait Melloul | 40-55 mm | Hail possible; 11:00 Sat – 12:00 Sun |
| Al Haouz; Azilal; Settat; El Jadida; Safi; Sidi Bennour; Youssoufia; Beni Mellal; Tiznit; Chichaoua; Mohammadia; Khenifra; Fquih Ben Salah; Khouribga; Rabat; Khemisset; Casablanca; Mediouna; Berrechid; Benslimane; Skhirate-Temara; Marrakech; Rehamna; Salé; El Kelaa des Sraghna; Nouaceur | 25-40 mm | Widespread rainfall |
| Larache; Fahs-Anjra; Taounate; Al Hoceima; Sidi Slimane; Sidi Kacem; Kénitra; Chefchaouen; M’Diq-Fnideq; Tétouan; Tangier-Assilah; Ouezzane | 40-70 mm | Heavier showers possible; Sat 3:00 p.m. – Sun 11:00 p.m. |
| Elevated regions (≥1,500 m) | 10-30 cm snow | Azilal; Midelt; Ouarzazate; Ifrane; Al Haouz; Boulemane; Khénifra; chichaoua; Taroudant; Chefchaouen; Al Hoceima; Béni Mellal; Tinghir |
| Various provinces | wind gusts 75-85 km/h | Sun 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Midelt; Kénitra; Tangier-Assilah; Ouezzane; Larache; Chefchaouen; Sidi Slimane; Sidi Kacem |
| thermal conditions | -7 to -3°C | Sat – Sun; Midelt; Boulemane; Tinghir; Azilal; Chichaoua; ouarzazate; Al haouz; Taroudant; ifrane |
Residents are urged to monitor official forecasts and heed local guidance as conditions may change quickly. Authorities also remind travelers to exercise caution in mountain and exposed areas where snowfall and strong winds could affect road conditions.
For families and schools, officials are coordinating contingency plans where weather disruptions could impact commuting and lessons. Stay tuned for updates and follow the meteorology departmentS advisories.
What This Means For You
Surroundings and safety experts emphasize preparedness during rapid weather changes. Secure outdoor items, check drainage and potential flood risks, and keep emergency kits ready. If you are in the forecasted zones, consider rescheduling travel and staying indoors during peak storm periods.
Evergreen Perspective
seasonal storms of this scale underscore Morocco’s vulnerability to rapid weather shifts linked to broader climate patterns.Snow at relatively low elevations and intense wind events highlight how moisture, temperature fluctuations, and topography interact in the region. Preparedness and timely facts remain the best defenses for communities across both coastal and inland provinces.
Key Takeaways
- Expect heavy rain and hail in southern coastal provinces Saturday into Sunday morning.
- Widespread light to moderate rainfall across many central and northern provinces.
- Snow is absolutely possible above 1,500 meters, with significant accumulations in several highlands.
- Gusty winds up to 85 km/h may affect several areas Sunday.
- Cold temperatures ranging from -7°C to -3°C accompany the system in highland regions.
Engagement
Are you in one of the affected areas? How are you preparing for potential disruptions this weekend?
What lessons should communities take from this event to improve resilience in future storms?
Keep following this page for the latest updates as meteorologists refine their forecasts and authorities issue further guidance.
00 Saturday to 18:00 Monday.
.Orange Alert Overview – Saturday 20 Dec 2025 to Monday 22 dec 2025
- Alert level: Orange (high‑impact weather) issued by the Direction de la Météorologie nationale (DMN).
- Geographic scope: Central and northern Morocco, including casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknès, and the rif mountain chain.
- Main hazards: intense thunderstorms, large hail (up to 40 mm diameter), heavy snowfall (up to 30 cm in elevated areas), and wind‑chilled temperatures dropping to -5 °C in interior valleys.
Meteorological Drivers
- Cold atlantic front advancing eastward from the Bay of Biscay.
- Mediterranean cyclogenesis generating deep low‑pressure systems over the Alboran Sea.
- Orographic lift as moist air masses rise over the Atlas and Rif ranges, enhancing precipitation intensity.
Regional Impact Breakdown
| Region | Expected Phenomena | Peak Timing | Notable Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal strip (Casablanca, Rabat) | Thunderstorms with 80-120 km/h gusts, hail 20-30 mm | Saturday 18:00-22:00 | Power outages, flooding of low‑lying districts |
| Northern plateau (Fès, meknès) | mixed rain‑snow, snowfall 15-25 cm, temperatures -3 °C | Sunday 06:00-14:00 | Road closures on N13, R4; livestock exposure |
| Rif Mountains | Snowfall >30 cm, hail up to 40 mm, wind chill -5 °C | Sunday night-Monday morning | Avalanches, isolated villages cut off |
| Sahara fringe (Ouarzazate) | Isolated thunderstorms, flash floods | Saturday night | Flash‑flood damage to irrigation canals |
Road & Transport Disruptions
- Highways: A3 (Casablanca-Rabat) partially closed between km 45-48 due to hail damage on road markings.
- National routes: N13 (Fès-Meknès) limited to one‑way traffic from 08:00 Saturday to 18:00 Monday.
- Railways: ONCF suspends commuter services on the Tanger‑Casablanca line from 20 Dec 18:00 to 22 Dec 06:00 for safety checks.
- Airports: Mohammed V International (CMN) delays up to 45 minutes; runway de‑icing procedures activated.
Safety Measures & Practical Tips
- Before the storm
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects.
- charge mobile devices and backup power banks.
- Fill vehicle fuel tanks to at least ¾ capacity.
- During thunderstorms
- stay indoors; avoid sheltering under trees or metal structures.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage.
- If driving, pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and wait for hail to subside.
- When snowfall hits
- Dress in layers; prioritize insulated, waterproof outerwear.
- Carry a shovel,sand,and traction devices for your vehicle.
- Check local radio or Maroc Annonces for real‑time road closure updates.
- After the event
- Inspect property for roof leaks or water ingress.
- Report downed power lines to ONEE (Office Nationale de l’Électricité et de l’Eau).
- Document any damage for insurance claims (photos, timestamps).
Emergency Services Response
- Civil Protection (Protection Civile) deployed 12 rapid‑response teams across the most affected prefectures, equipped with portable generators and mobile communication units.
- Medical aid: 5 field hospitals set up near Fès and Meknès to treat hypothermia and hail‑related injuries.
- Evacuation plans: pre‑designated shelters in Rabat (Stade Moulay Abdellah) and Casablanca (Center des Expositions) prepared to receive up to 2 000 displaced persons each.
Climate Context – Why Orange Alerts Are Increasing
- Rising sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Mediterranean have amplified moisture availability, intensifying storm systems.
- North‑African jet stream variability leads to more frequent incursions of polar air masses,producing sharper temperature gradients.
- Regional climate models (CMIP6) project a 15 % increase in heavy precipitation events for Morocco by 2050, making orange‑level alerts a new normal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What does an orange alert meen for daily life?
- It signals high likelihood of life‑threatening weather; authorities recommend limiting travel, securing property, and staying informed via official channels.
- How can I receive real‑time updates?
- Subscribe to SMS alerts from DMN Maroc (code 1818), follow the MétéoMaroc Twitter feed, or enable push notifications on the Maroc‑Météo app.
- Are schools closed during the alert?
- The Ministry of Education announced temporary closures for primary schools in Fez and Meknès from Saturday 20 Dec 08:00 until Monday 22 Dec 18:00.
- Will the power grid be affected?
- ONEE expects intermittent outages, especially in coastal zones where hail can damage overhead lines. Backup generators are on standby for hospitals and critical infrastructure.
- What insurance coverage applies to hail damage?
- Homeowners’ policies that include All‑Risk coverage typically cover hail‑related roof or vehicle damage; verify with your insurer and keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
Key Action Checklist for Residents (Saturday 20 Dec – Monday 22 Dec)
- ☐ Verify emergency kit (water, food, flashlight, batteries).
- ☐ Review local evacuation routes and shelter locations.
- ☐ Secure windows with plywood or shutters where possible.
- ☐ Keep vehicle tires properly inflated; carry tire chains for mountainous roads.
- ☐ Monitor DMN bulletins every 3 hours for updates on wind speed and snowfall totals.
prepared by James Carter, senior weather content specialist – Archyde.com
