Unstable weather in Morocco.. Meteorological Directorate explains the contrasting conditions
ALDAR/
Some parts of Morocco are experiencing rising temperatures during this period, while other areas are seeing relatively cooler weather, rainfall and wind gusts, raising questions about the reasons behind these contrasting weather conditions.
In this context, El Houcine Youabed, Head of the Communication Department and in charge of communication at the General Directorate of Meteorology, explained that “this contrast is linked to the interaction of several weather factors over Morocco during this transitional period.”
Youabed said that “the northward extension of the Saharan thermal low, accompanied by southerly to southeasterly winds, contributed to transporting very hot air masses to parts of the Kingdom, in what is known as the ‘Chergui’ phenomenon. Meanwhile, this situation coincided with the intrusion of cooler air in the upper levels and the rise of humid tropical air masses, particularly in the middle layers of the atmosphere.”
He added that “the combination of heat near the surface, humidity and cooler air aloft helped increase atmospheric instability. Combined with the role of topography in forcing air upward, conditions became favorable for the formation of thunderstorms, particularly over the High and Middle Atlas mountains and surrounding areas, sometimes accompanied by heavy showers, hail and wind gusts.”
The official stressed that “there is no contradiction between high temperatures and the occurrence of thunderstorms,” explaining that “hot and humid air can rise and condense, forming thunderstorms when the appropriate conditions are present.”
Youabed continued that “when these cells pass through, temperatures may locally drop due to rainfall, the evaporation of part of it and downdrafts, while hot conditions persist in other areas. Proximity to the sea, elevation above sea level and wind direction also contribute to enhancing these differences.”
