Storm Olivier set to disrupt weather patterns in Morocco next week

Morocco is bracing for significant weather changes next week with the arrival of Storm Olivier, following a period of calm after March's heavy rains. This weather system, originating from the Atlantic Ocean, is anticipated to bring a mix of hot temperatures, rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

The General Directorate of Meteorology has reported that Storm Olivier is currently located west of the Canary Islands and is expected to impact various regions across the country. While it is not projected to be as severe as Storm Jana, which recently affected Morocco, it will still influence weather conditions considerably.

As the storm approaches, it will push hot air from the Sahara Desert into Morocco’s southern and central regions, leading to elevated temperatures in areas such as Tadla, Rhamna, and the inland Souss.

Cloudy skies, rainfall, and potential thunderstorms are expected as Storm Olivier draws closer, particularly in the High Atlas Mountains, northern and central regions, southeast, and eastern areas. Some snowfall may still occur in the High and Middle Atlas Mountains.

Additionally, strong winds are predicted in several regions, especially in the southeast and the Atlas Mountains, which could lead to dust storms in central and southern Morocco.

Temperatures are forecasted to decrease in the northern plains, Saiss region, and the Rif Mountains, while rising along the central Atlantic coast, in the Anti-Atlas, and in the far south and southeast.

Storm Olivier is expected to begin affecting Morocco's western Atlantic coast starting Thursday, gradually spreading its impact across the north and center of the country. From Friday to Tuesday, unstable weather is likely as the storm draws in moist tropical air from the south, which may interact with colder air from the north, creating conditions conducive to rain showers and thunderstorms.

Authorities in the Canary Islands have issued a regional weather alert for Storm Olivier, identifying it as a “high-impact weather system.” The storm is expected to intensify rainfall and contribute to unstable weather conditions in the area.