Heavy early-season snowfall blankets parts of Morocco

Temperatures throughout Morocco plummeted to near and below freezing throughout Morocco over the weekend, leading to first snowfall of the season more than 2 months ahead of usual.

Temperatures in Ifrane, known as Morocco's Switzerland dropped to -1 °C (30.2 °F) on October 28, 2018, leading to significant snow accumulations reaching 30 and 50 cm (12 – 20 inches) in a matter of a day. 

Similar snow accumulations were also recorded in Imouzzer, Michlifen and El Hajeb.

The amount of snow surprised locals and meteorologists who said the region usually sees first snow in January, not in October.

The National Meteorological Directorate said similar weather conditions with winds up to 90 km/h (56 mph) on October 29 and up to 50 mm (1.96 inches) of rain within 12 hours of October 30 in Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, Kenitra, Larache, Ouazzane, Tangier-Assilah, and Tetouan.

Temperatures between -3 and 10 °C (26 – 50 °F) were forecast for Al Haouz, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Boulemane, Figuig, Guercif, Ifrane, Jerada, Khenifra, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Sefrou, Taza, and Tinghir.

Featured image credit: Sam Night