Significant Thunderstorm Activity on the Horizon
The General Directorate of Meteorology in Morocco has issued a weather alert indicating the possibility of thunderstorms today, Monday, with expected rainfall amounts reaching up to 35 millimeters in several regions. The report highlights that the country will experience a general decline in temperatures from tomorrow, Tuesday, until Thursday, after which a notable increase in temperatures is anticipated starting Friday.
In a precautionary weather bulletin categorized as orange alert, the Directorate warned of the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds throughout the day. The expected rainfall amounts range from 25 to 35 millimeters, particularly affecting the provinces of Midelt, Khénifra, Ifrane, Fquih Ben Salah, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Figuig, Settat, Azilal, Khouribga, Béni Mellal, Tinghir, Qalaat Sraghna, Marrakech, Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Boulemane.
Temperature Variations and Weather Patterns
Today, temperatures are predicted to range between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius in the provinces of Marrakech, Sidi Slimane, Kenitra, Khouribga, Settat, Béni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Taounate, Sidi Qasim, Khénifra, Larache, Ouezzane, Qalaat Sraghna, Al Haouz, Khmissat, Meknes, Fez, and Moulay Yacoub. Similarly, regions such as Chtouka-Ait Baha, Guelmim, Laayoune, Taroudant, Tantan, Tiznit, Sidi Ifni, and Tarfaya are also expected to experience temperatures within the same range today and tomorrow.
The bulletin further cautioned that temperatures could soar between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius in the provinces of Tata, Smara, Assa-Zag, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, and Oussard from today until Wednesday.
Hussein Youabed, communication officer at the General Directorate of Meteorology, reiterated that the country will remain under the influence of an unstable weather system, particularly over the Atlas regions, southeast, and Rif. He noted that these areas could experience localized thunderstorms, which may sometimes be accompanied by hail and strong winds, as well as dust storms in certain southern and eastern regions.
Looking ahead, Youabed mentioned that temperatures are expected to decrease from Tuesday to Thursday before experiencing a significant rise starting Friday, with a slight dip again towards the end of the forecast period. For Tuesday, the forecast suggests that relatively hot conditions will persist in the inland plains, Souss, southeast, and desert provinces, while low clouds may form in the morning and evening, accompanied by fog or mist over the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic coast.
Thunderstorms are likely to develop over the Atlas Mountains and the southernmost parts of the country, with additional thunderstorms expected in the eastern slopes of the Atlas, southeast, and Rif regions. Furthermore, relatively strong winds are anticipated to impact the southeast and Atlas regions, along with the southern provinces, with potential dust storms in certain areas. While temperatures are expected to decrease in the inland plains, Souss, and southern coastal areas, they will remain relatively stable in other regions.
On Wednesday, the warm conditions are projected to continue, especially in Souss, southeast, and desert provinces, with chances of localized thunderstorms in the southeastern areas and the higher Atlas regions, possibly accompanied by strong gusts during storms. Additionally, relatively strong winds may affect the central coast and southern provinces, with local dust storms expected.
This weather forecast comes on the heels of significant rainfall recorded in the 24-hour period from 6 AM yesterday to the same time today, with totals including 42 mm in Oukaimeden, 35 mm in Agbalou, 29 mm in Qalaat Sraghna, and various other amounts across the country.
As reported by hespress.com.
