Is The Recent Rain In Morocco A Turning Point After Prolonged Drought?
Heavy rainfall in Morocco over the last two weeks marked a significant shift in the country’s weather patterns, offering much-needed relief after a prolonged drought. According to Houcine Youabed of the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), the rainfall deficit that characterized the first half of the winter season has been alleviated by the recent downpours. This episode of rain in Morocco gives a relief for Moroccans after a long episode of drought.
In the past 48 hours, Tangier recorded 82 mm of rain, Rabat 66 mm, and Casablanca 42 mm. The Atlas Mountains and the Souss regions also experienced substantial precipitation.
This rainfall was driven by a deep atmospheric depression named “JANA,” which originated in Western Europe before reaching Morocco. The depression brought significant rainfall, crucial for replenishing groundwater levels and supporting spring crops. Weather disturbances are expected to continue throughout the week, with rain forecasted in the Rif, Middle and High Atlas, and the northern Atlantic plains. Snowfall is also anticipated in areas above 1,600 meters in altitude.
While the rains are a boon for agriculture and water resources, the DGM has urged caution due to the risks of flooding and sudden river surges. Farmers, however, are optimistic. The recent rainfall has improved the dam filling rate to 30%, up from 26% last year, and has revitalized pastures, providing relief to livestock farmers, particularly sheep owners. This is especially significant given the 38% drop in the cattle herd over the past decade and the King’s call to forgo the traditional sheep sacrifice this year.
Drought Challenges and Economic Impact
Despite the recent rainfall, Morocco and rest of the Maghreb continue to grapple with the long-term effects of drought. Years of insufficient rainfall have forced the Morocco and Tunisia lately to prioritize drinking water over irrigation, leading to the depletion of underground water resources in key farming areas. Direct effects of the drought on farming are starting to show up; as Morocco plans to skip the practice of slaughtering sheep during Eid-al-Adha this year due to sheep herd numbers plummeting by about 38% since the last census 9 years ago.
The drought has also had a profound economic impact, with Morocco’s unemployment rate surging to 13.3% last year. The agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, has been particularly hard hit. The recent rains, while beneficial, are unlikely to fully offset the damage caused by years of water shortages.
The recent drought in Morocco is part of a broader climatic crisis affecting North Africa. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns have exacerbated water scarcity, threatening food security and livelihoods across the region. In Morocco, the government has implemented measures to mitigate the impact, including the construction of desalination plants and the promotion of water-saving technologies.
