Severe Weather Alert: Rain and Snow Forecasted for Moroccan Provinces

Morocco is under a weather alert for heavy thunderstorms and snowfall across several provinces. The storms are expected to provide much-needed precipitation amid six consecutive seasons of drought, which have severely impacted water reserves and agriculture. King Mohammed VI has announced measures to address the crisis, including imports of essential commodities to meet local demand.

A new weather alert in Morocco indicates that heavy thunderstorms and snowfall are anticipated to affect several provinces today. The meteorological office anticipates thunderstorms, characterized by 30 to 50 millimeters of rain and hail, commencing this morning and continuing until 4 p.m. in Fez, Moulay Yacoub, and Taounate.

Forecasted weather conditions are also expected to impact Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, Oujda-Angad, Taourirt, Guercif, Berkane, Driouch, Nador, Jerada, and Boulemane, starting from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Snowfall ranging from 5 to 15 centimeters is predicted at elevations exceeding 1,600 meters, beginning at 9 a.m. and persisting until 6 p.m. in regions such as Al Haouz, Azilal, Midelt, Tinghir, Beni Mellal, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Ifrane, and Boulemane.

This rain alert is welcomed news in light of the severe drought conditions Morocco has faced over the past six seasons, resulting in a critical dearth of water resources. Current data reveals that Morocco’s dam water reserves stand at only 4.6 billion cubic meters, with a meager filling rate of 28%.

The ongoing water scarcity threatens not only drinking supplies but also the agricultural season in Morocco. In response to the drought, the Moroccan government, alongside the monarchy, has implemented significant measures, including the cancellation of the Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual, as announced by King Mohammed VI.

To combat this crisis, Morocco has increasingly relied on imports to satisfy local demand for essential commodities, including red meat and livestock from countries such as Australia and Romania. The potential rainfall across various provinces may provide some relief from these ongoing challenges.

In summary, Morocco anticipates heavy thunderstorms and snowfall to affect multiple provinces, a critical development amid ongoing drought conditions. The resulting precipitation may address some of the severe water scarcity that has plagued the nation, which is currently experiencing alarming decreases in water reserves. While government measures have sought to manage these issues, the overarching effectiveness of these weather forecasts in alleviating drought impacts remains to be determined.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com