Morocco Braces for Chilly Weather in Mountainous and Northern Regions
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Morocco’s Directorate General of Meteorology (DMN) has issued a forecast predicting a drop in temperatures across several regions, with particularly chilly weather expected in the Atlas Mountains, the Rif, and the eastern High Plateaus. This forecast, issued on December 10, 2024, advises residents and travelers to prepare for cooler conditions.
The DMN anticipates the formation of fog banks overnight and into the early morning hours along the central and northern Atlantic coastlines and in valleys. This atmospheric phenomenon is common during cooler periods, as moist air condenses near the cooler surfaces of land and water. [Consider adding a link to a resource explaining fog formation, e.g., a meteorological website or educational resource.]
While much of the country can expect clear to partly cloudy skies, the southern and central regions may experience periods of increased cloud cover. The north, however, is predicted to remain predominantly clear. Meanwhile, strong gusts of wind are expected in the northern Sahara regions, with continued dust and sand being carried by winds in the extreme north of the southern provinces. These conditions can significantly reduce visibility and potentially impact travel.
Temperatures are expected to dip considerably, especially in the mountainous and northern regions. Overnight lows in the Rif, Atlas Mountains, and eastern High Plateaus could plummet to between 1°C and -4°C (34°F and 25°F). The Phosphates and Oulmes plateaus can expect temperatures between 0°C and 4°C (32°F and 39°F). Northern and central plains will experience slightly milder lows, ranging from 3°C to 7°C (37°F and 45°F), while the rest of the country will see temperatures between 9°C and 12°C (48°F and 54°F). Daytime temperatures across the country are predicted to be lower than the previous day.
Coastal waters are also expected to be affected by the changing weather patterns. The Mediterranean Sea and Strait of Gibraltar are forecast to be calm to slightly choppy. However, the Atlantic coast between Casablanca and Dakhla is expected to be rough to very rough, with potentially extremely rough conditions between Cape Sim and Tarfaya in the morning. The remaining coastal areas can expect moderate to rough seas. These conditions could pose challenges for maritime activities and coastal communities. [Consider adding a link to a website providing marine forecasts, e.g., a local port authority or international maritime organization.]
This recent forecast underscores the variability of Morocco’s climate and the importance of staying informed about weather conditions, especially during the winter months. Travelers planning to visit the affected regions should pack accordingly and be prepared for potentially challenging conditions. [Consider adding links to resources for travelers to Morocco, such as official tourism websites or travel guides.]
Keywords: Morocco, weather forecast, DMN, Atlas Mountains, Rif, temperature drop, fog, wind, Sahara, coastal waters, Casablanca, Dakhla, Cape Sim, Tarfaya, travel advisory, winter weather.
