Morocco must prepare for extreme weather events, from drought to heavy rainfall

Dalila Loudyi, a professor at Hassan II University of Casablanca and a specialist in climate change and natural disaster management, highlights that global warming not only causes longer dry spells but also alters rainfall patterns, leading to more irregular, intense, and concentrated precipitation. This evolution directly challenges Morocco's vulnerability, urban planning, infrastructure, and prevention capabilities. The intensity of rainfall alone does not explain damage; urbanization, impermeable surfaces, the state of networks, occupation of exposed areas, and watershed capacity also play roles.

Prevention requires both planning and forecasting, adapting infrastructure, preserving water retention areas, and strengthening alert systems. The atmosphere's increased capacity to hold water due to rising temperatures means that when favorable disturbances occur, they can lead to much more intense rainfall. Morocco's geographical position, at the intersection of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Sahara, and major mountain ranges like the Rif and Atlas, makes it particularly susceptible.

While the country may receive less rain overall annually, it could experience much more violent episodes. Recent projections confirm that rare extreme rainfall events could become more frequent, even as the general trend points to a warmer and drier climate. The challenge is managing