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The Sahara Desert, renowned for its aridity and vast stretches of sand, witnessed an extraordinary transformation as a rare downpour inundated the landscape, creating a scene of blue lagoons nestled between palm trees and sand dunes. This unexpected meteorological event left stunning images of water coursing through the Saharan sands, surrounding ancient castles and desert flora. Satellite imagery captured the remarkable filling of Lake Iriqui, a famous lake bed that had been dry for half a century, showcasing the immense power of the rainfall.
Southeastern Morocco, known for its typically dry late summer, received an unprecedented amount of rainfall in September. Two days of relentless downpours surpassed the annual average in several areas, including those that typically receive less than 250 millimetres of rain per year. Tata, one of the hardest-hit regions, experienced record rainfall, with over 100 millimetres recorded in a 24-hour period in the village of Tagounite. This exceptional rainfall, described as an extratropical storm by meteorologists, has the potential to significantly alter the region's weather patterns in the coming months and years. As the air retains more moisture, increased evaporation could lead to more frequent storms, a potential consequence of this unprecedented event.
The heavy rains, although remarkable for their intensity and impact on the desert landscape, also brought tragedy. Over 20 deaths were reported in Morocco and Algeria, highlighting the devastating consequences of such extreme weather events. The downpours also negatively affected farmers' crops, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In response to the devastation, the Moroccan government has allocated emergency relief funds, focusing especially on areas already struggling with the aftermath of last year's earthquake.
Source: Rare rain floods Sahara Desert, dry lake filled for first time in 50 years