Rainy Relief: Heavy Rainfall Set to Quench Morocco's Parched Lands

Thursday 18 January 2024 - 14:44

Morocco anticipates a much-awaited reprieve from its prolonged drought, as per the latest forecasts from the nation's meteorological agency. Starting this Friday, several provinces in the north and interior are poised to receive substantial rainfall, potentially alleviating the strain on drought-ridden crops and depleted reservoirs.

According to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DMN), Tetouan, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima are in line for downpours ranging from 40 to 70 millimeters. Moving southward, Ouezzane, Larache, Taounate, and Taza can expect more moderate rainfall, ranging between 25 to 40 millimeters. Hazardous conditions are anticipated in provinces such as Azilal, Al Haouz, and Chichaoua, where strong winds reaching up to 95 kilometers per hour are forecasted.

The blustery conditions are likely to extend to Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca, potentially causing blowing dust and complicating travel plans. Wind gusts are also expected in the mountain towns of Khenifra and Ifrane. Surprisingly, even the desert city of Errachidia near the Algerian border should brace for breezy weather.

This storm system follows months of relentless drought that have desiccated Morocco's vital agricultural regions. Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Sdiki, acknowledging the strained water resources earlier this week, emphasized the need to prioritize drinking water over irrigation. In response to the water shortages, HM King Mohammed VI convened an urgent meeting this week.

While heavy rainfall may bring the risk of flash flooding, it is an essential lifeline for replenishing reservoirs and providing much-needed moisture for crops. The forecasted downpours aim to saturate crucial breadbasket regions in the northern Rif Mountains and Saiss Plains. If these predictions hold true, this rainfall could mark a turning point after enduring the driest winter in decades.