Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange-level weather alert, warning of heavy rain, snowfall and strong winds in several regions of the country from Monday to Wednesday.

The alert, issued on Monday, 9 November, covers periods of heavy thunderstorms, substantial rainfall and strong winds accompanied by blowing dust. Some affected locations could receive rainfall totals approaching 80 millimetres during the warning period, which extends through Thursday.

Heavy snow in the mountains

Heavy snowfall is expected in mountainous areas starting from 1,400 metres above sea level. Snow accumulation of between 50 and 80 centimetres is forecast in the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate and Azilal.

Other areas, including Ifrane, Chichaoua, Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Midelt, Taroudant and Tinghir, may record between 30 and 50 centimetres of snow. Lighter snowfall, ranging from 10 to 30 centimetres, is expected in Sefrou, Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Guercif, Taza and Boulemane. These snowfalls are forecast from midnight on Tuesday until noon on Wednesday.

Rainfall across the north and centre

The weather authority also warned of strong rain showers that may be locally thundery. Rainfall of between 45 and 65 millimetres is expected in provinces such as Taounate, Al Hoceima, Ouezzane, Chefchaouen, Khenifra, Ifrane, Beni Mellal, Azilal, Al Haouz and Taza.

Other regions, including Casablanca, Rabat, Sale, Kenitra, Fez, Meknes and Tangier, may see rainfall of between 35 and 45 millimetres. Several central and coastal areas, including Marrakesh, Safi, Essaouira, El Jadida and Youssoufia, are expected to receive between 25 and 35 millimetres of rain. These conditions are forecast from Monday evening until Tuesday afternoon.

Strong winds and road safety warning

In addition, strong wind gusts ranging from 75 to 85 kilometres per hour are expected in several provinces, including Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Zagora, Tata, Guelmim, Tiznit, Azilal, Midelt, Boulemane, Guercif and Taourirt, from Tuesday morning until early Wednesday.

Following the orange alert, Morocco's Road Safety Agency (NARSA) called on all road users to exercise extreme caution and to delay non-essential travel until weather conditions improve. The agency warned that heavy rain, snow and strong winds significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents.

NARSA also urged drivers of public transport buses and freight trucks to be especially careful, follow weather updates closely and plan their trips accordingly. The agency stressed the importance of strictly respecting traffic laws and road safety rules during bad weather, and advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition by carrying out regular mechanical maintenance and carefully checking safety equipment, including tyres, brakes, suspension systems, windshield wipers and vehicle lights.