Morocco weather: orange alert, storms and hail, 24 areas
Morocco's DGM issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds from Sunday to Monday, covering 24 provinces with up to 50 mm of rain.
Morocco's Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange-level vigilance bulletin, warning of thundery downpours accompanied by hail and gusty winds during storms, running from Sunday morning to Monday afternoon across 24 provinces spread between the southeast, the north and central Morocco.
Rainfall amounts and alert timing
According to the DGM's weather bulletin, expected amounts vary by region: they reach 30 to 50 mm in seven southeastern provinces, against 20 to 30 mm in 17 other provinces in the north and center, as shown in the table below:
| Expected amount | Time window | Provinces concerned |
|---|---|---|
| 30 to 50 mm | Sunday 10:00 a.m. to Monday 12:00 p.m. | Errachidia, Tinghir, Al Haouz, Boulemane, Midelt, Zagora, Figuig |
| 20 to 30 mm | Sunday 10:00 a.m. to midnight | Sefrou, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Ouezzane, Al Hoceima, Guercif, Taounate, Taza, Ouarzazate, Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, Azilal, Chichaoua, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Fahs-Anjra, Mdiq-Fnideq, Taourirt |
Storm hazards
The thundery downpours come with hail and gusty winds during storms, according to the bulletin, though the DGM did not specify wind speeds or hail size. Local authorities typically recommend caution when crossing wadis and mountain tracks in the affected provinces until the alert expires, especially since Errachidia, Tinghir, Zagora and Figuig, which are expected to see the heaviest totals, include mountainous and semi-arid areas prone to fast-rising water when heavy rain falls in a short time.
Why this alert matters
The orange level is among the highest vigilance grades the DGM regularly issues, just below the red level reserved for the most dangerous situations. The alert is a reminder that autumn in Morocco typically brings sharp weather swings, from heatwaves to thunderstorms. Residents of the southeastern and northern provinces, especially in rural areas, are advised to follow the weather closely over the next two days.