Unseasonal Snowfall in Morocco
This past weekend, Morocco experienced an unusual weather phenomenon as a series of storms brought snowfall to many of its mountainous regions, accompanied by intense thunderstorms. According to the country's meteorological service, this unexpected weather was primarily due to the presence of cold air in the upper layers of the atmosphere, which clashed with moist currents from the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in active storm clouds.
In various parts of the country, a sudden shift in climate was observed over recent days. While May typically ushers in warmer summer weather, mountainous areas were once again treated to winter-like scenes. Temperatures dropped sharply, particularly in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas regions. The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) reported that a low-pressure system containing cold air was predominantly located over the western Mediterranean and northern Morocco, contributing to localized snowfall and thunderstorms.
Snow accumulation was primarily noted at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters. At the Oukaïmeden ski resort, approximately 10 centimeters of snow was recorded at the base and up to 12 centimeters at higher elevations. However, due to strong winds, snow drifts reached impressive depths of nearly half a meter in some areas, creating stunning visuals for a month of May. Other snowy peaks included Mount Mouriq and the summit of Amzri Imi N'Oulaoun.
Weather Outlook and Future Conditions
Although May snowfall may seem peculiar, the National Meteorological Service (DMN) clarifies that it is not unprecedented. During spring, cold air currents from the north can collide with warmer air moving up from the south, leading to snowfall, especially in the higher mountains. The weather remained unstable in the following hours, with more rain and storms, particularly affecting the Atlas, Rif, eastern regions, and eastern slopes. For the week ahead, instability is expected to continue, with low clouds hanging over the northern and central plains, as well as northern areas of the southern provinces during mornings and evenings. Light rain or fog may occur locally, but snowfall is not anticipated.
Starting Tuesday, the weather is forecasted to gradually stabilize. The influence of the Azores high-pressure system is expected to extend over western and northern Morocco, resulting in a decrease in rainfall and a gradual rise in temperatures due to the influence of a thermal low-pressure area over the Sahara, allowing drier and warmer air to flow into Morocco. Conditions could become warm or even hot, especially in the interior plains west of the Atlas, in Souss, and in the southern provinces.
The access road to the Oukaïmeden ski resort was notably affected by the snow blown along the route by strong winds, highlighting the wintery conditions experienced this May.
As reported by nevasport.com.
