The desert and Saharan regions of Morocco are currently experiencing a very rare natural phenomenon. The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) explains to Challenge this exceptional episode, marked by unprecedented rainfall.
“During this late summer period, Morocco is experiencing an exceptional rise towards the north of the intertropical front (ITF), which is one of the main weather systems influencing the climate of tropical and subtropical zones,” emphasizes Houssein Youabed, communications manager at the DGM.
In fact, this front moves north and south depending on the season and plays a key role in the formation of storm systems and atmospheric disturbances in these regions.
Rise of the FIT and atmospheric depression
During the days of Wednesday and Thursday (September 4/5), stormy instability persists in the Atlas regions and its eastern slopes in a moderate manner. The south-east of Morocco as well as the south of the Oriental experience thunderstorms and hailstorms in places and at times.
Read also | Youssef Ettazi, new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lydec
“From Friday 6 to Monday 9 September, Morocco will once again experience a rise in the intertropical front towards the north of our Saharan provinces, combined with a descent of cold air masses at altitude linked to the approach of an atmospheric depression in the far north of Morocco,” said Houssein Youabed.
Finally, he does not fail to reiterate the usual advice: “be vigilant and closely follow the weather reports issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology, which ensures continuous monitoring of the situation.”
Rainfall not recorded for decades
Faced with chronic water stress, accentuated by the severe drought of recent years, these regions are expected to receive, according to forecasts, quantities of rain not recorded for decades.
Read also | Xi Jinping promotes stronger cooperation with Africa at FOCAC Summit
According to the specialist website Reporterre, which cites a study by Severe Weather Europe, more than 500% of the normal monthly precipitation in September should fall during this episode, which could extend over two weeks. This accumulation will even be 1000% higher than normal in some places.
If the amounts of rainfall predicted by weather models are correct, this 2024 event will be either the equivalent of a historic rainfall event in 1994 or the largest ever observed since records began in the vast region of the Greater Sahara, which stretches from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, it is noted.
