North Africa: Cold temperatures forecast across parts of northern and central Algeria and much of Morocco through at least Jan. 25

Event

A cold wave is forecast across parts of northern and central Algeria and much of Morocco through at least Jan. 25. Daytime temperatures of 4-10 C (39-50 F) are expected across the affected area and could reach as low as -6 C (21 F) at night in places. Snowfall is also possible in some areas, especially in mountainous regions, and may be accompanied by strong winds. Precipitation may fall as rain in coastal areas. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads and reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

As of Jan. 24, the Algerian National Office of Meteorology has issued orange and yellow extreme cold warnings across inland areas of northern and central Algeria. Orange snow and ice warnings have been issued for Bechar, El Bayadh, Naama, southern Sidi Bel Abbes, and southern Tlemcen provinces. Snowfall accumulations of 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) are possible in these areas. Yellow rainfall warnings have been issued for Bechar, El Badyah, Bejaia, Ghardaia, Jijel, Timimoun, and Tizi Ouzou provinces,

Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology has issued orange cold wave warnings across most of western and central Morocco, as well as yellow cold wave warnings across much of the rest of the country. Yellow heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for parts of northeastern Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region and yellow strong wind warnings have been issued for parts of western Souss-Massa Region.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Precipitation is expected to fall as snow across parts of the affected region over the coming days, especially in areas of higher elevation. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Transport
The adverse weather could cause ground and air transport disruptions in parts of the affected region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall or other severe weather phenomena is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Algeria National Office of Meteorology
Morocco General Directorate of Meteorology