Morocco receives its first snowfall in 50 years

Snow accumulations of up to 35-40 cm in some areas

Morocco has experienced an unprecedented weather phenomenon: for the first time in 50 years, several regions of the country have been covered by snow. Snow, torrential rain, and cold weather have been observed in the central, southeastern, and southern provinces. Maghreb Arabe Press TV quickly reported the rare snowfall, drawing attention to the unusual conditions in the desert landscape.

According to the Moroccan National Meteorological Centre, the extreme weather is attributed to a large flow of cold air from northern Europe. This phenomenon has led to heavy snowfall in various southern and south-eastern provinces, including Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ifrane, Midelt, Taroudant, Tinghir, Ouarzazate and Al-Haouz. Some areas received up to 35-40 cm of snow or almost double that amount^[1].

Temperatures dropped to -5 °C in mountainous regions, further intensifying the cold front. The snow conditions surprised both locals and tourists, prompting many Moroccans to head to the ski resort of Oukaimeden, just an hour's drive from Marrakech. Visitors flocked to the resort for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.

Climate change provoked the snow?

Morocco has witnessed a unique natural phenomenon as snow fell in the country's south. For the first time in half a century, the region's inhabitants, who are used to sunny weather, played with snowballs like children. As the latter were unprepared, it is reported that some challenges were encountered, such as snow-blocked roads and isolated settlements. On the other hand, some lay people shrug their shoulders - where did the constant talk of climate change supposedly causing warming go?

The unusual weather is caused by cold air masses coming from Northern Europe

According to the Moroccan National Meteorological Centre, the unusual weather is caused by cold air masses from Northern Europe.

"We are under the influence of a very low pressure with very low temperatures that can reach 0 or even -1 degrees," say the meteorologists^[2].

Tourists and photographers, fascinated by the unusual winter landscape, came to see the snow among the palm groves. Snow-covered mountain resorts at 2,000 meters and above have become particularly popular. Thousands of winter sports enthusiasts gathered here. The snowy and mountainous regions of the country also attract many tourists who come to enjoy winter activities and the beauty of nature.

It is worth noting that heavy snow and wind have caused transport and electricity problems in some Balkan countries.