Houcine Youabed: Widespread Rainfall Ends a Dry First Half of Winter

Morocco experienced significant rainfall over the weekend, ending the first half of winter, which had been marked by a rainfall deficit, according to Houcine Youabed, head of the Partnership and Communication Service at the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM).

In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP), Youabed said: "This rain affected various regions of the country, from the north to the southern provinces, passing through the interior, central, and eastern areas." Over the past 48 hours, rainfall totals exceeded 82 mm in Tangier, 66 mm in Rabat, and 42 mm in Casablanca. The Atlas Mountains and the Souss region also saw significant precipitation.

Weather disturbances to continue throughout the week

Youabed explained that these rains are the result of a deep atmospheric depression named "Jana," which first impacted Western Europe before reaching Morocco, bringing substantial amounts of much-needed rainfall after months of drought.

Weather disturbances are expected to persist throughout the week, with a series of depressions affecting the country, leading to rainfall in the Rif, Middle, and High Atlas, as well as the northern Atlantic plains.

Additionally, snowfall is expected in mountainous areas above 1,600 meters. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also forecast until Thursday in Tangier, the Rif, and the Atlantic plains.

Significant benefits but flood warnings

Despite the delay, this rainfall is crucial for agriculture and water resources, as it will help replenish groundwater reserves and support spring crops.

However, the DGM warns of potential flood risks and sudden flash floods, emphasizing the importance of following weather alerts and avoiding risky activities in riverbeds.

After a dry start to winter, this rainfall episode is a valuable opportunity to support the agricultural sector and improve water resource management, amid accelerating climate change and increasing weather fluctuations.