Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange-level weather alert warning of thunderstorms, hail, and strong wind gusts across several provinces on Friday. The alert covers 26 provinces, including Ifrane, Khenifra, Al Haouz, and Marrakech, with the storms expected to bring between 20 and 30 millimeters of rain. The forecast places the affected areas under an orange vigilance level, indicating potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The weather service expects the storms to occur from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, with strong wind gusts and hail also expected. The warning comes after an exceptionally hot September, with Morocco recording its hottest September since 1981. Average temperatures reached 2.75°C above the 1991-2020 reference average, with several cities recording new September temperature records.
Sidi Slimane recorded a temperature of 47.1°C on September 3, one of the new September temperature records. The country also experienced a shift toward more unsettled weather in late September, with a low-pressure system moving in from the western Mediterranean bringing rain and localized thunderstorms to parts of northern and central Morocco.
The low-pressure system caused temperatures to drop closer to seasonal averages after running 5°C to 8°C above normal in some areas. The DGM's orange-level weather alert is a warning of potentially hazardous weather conditions, with residents advised to take necessary precautions.
The affected provinces under the orange vigilance level include Kelaat Sraghna, Tata, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Tinghir, Zagora, Khouribga, Settat, Essaouira, and Rehamna. The storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, hail, and strong wind gusts, with residents advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecast.
The weather alert is in place for Friday evening, with the storms expected to subside by 11 p.m. The DGM will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide updates as necessary. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for the latest information.
Morocco has experienced extreme weather conditions in recent weeks, with unusually high temperatures followed by a shift toward more unsettled weather. The country's weather service is working to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts to help residents prepare for the changing weather conditions.
Key points
- The Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange-level weather alert for 26 provinces due to expected thunderstorms, hail, and strong wind gusts on Friday evening.
- The alert comes after an exceptionally hot September, with Morocco recording its hottest September since 1981.
- The storms are expected to bring between 20 and 30 millimeters of rain to the affected areas, with residents advised to take necessary precautions.
