Cold temperatures forecast across several Moroccan provinces

Cold weather conditions and strong winds accompanied by dust storms are expected to affect several regions of Morocco at the start of the week, according to a report published by Yabiladi on 17 March.

The warning was issued by the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM), which placed multiple provinces under an orange-level alert due to the anticipated drop in temperatures and the arrival of powerful winds. The alert covers both Monday and Tuesday, when weather conditions are expected to be particularly severe in certain inland and mountainous areas.

According to the meteorological authority, minimum temperatures ranging between -2°C and 3°C are forecast in several northern and eastern provinces. These include Figuig, Guercif, Jerada, Taourirt, Sefrou, Taza, Al Hoceïma and Chefchaouen. Such temperatures are considered unusually cold for some of these regions and may create challenging conditions for residents, especially during nighttime and early morning hours.

Even colder conditions are expected in other provinces, where temperatures could fall significantly below freezing. The DGM indicated that minimum temperatures between -6°C and -3°C are forecast in areas including Tinghir, Al Haouz, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Midelt, Ifrane, Boulemane and Ouarzazate. These regions, many of which are located in mountainous zones, are particularly vulnerable to sharp temperature drops during periods of unstable weather.

In addition to the cold temperatures, strong winds accompanied by dust storms are expected to affect southern and southwestern provinces. Meteorologists forecast wind gusts reaching 70 to 80 kilometres per hour between 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday. The provinces likely to be impacted include Figuig, Assa-Zag, Tata, Tan-Tan, Sidi Ifni, Tiznit, Es-Semara and Guelmim.

Authorities have warned that these weather conditions could disrupt daily activities, reduce visibility on roads and create potentially hazardous travel conditions. Residents in affected areas are therefore encouraged to remain cautious and stay informed through official weather updates as the situation develops.

Yabiladi, MAP, Maghrebi.org