In September 2024, southeastern Morocco experienced an unusual deluge, transforming parts of the Sahara Desert. This region is known for its extreme dryness but received unexpected rainfall that exceeded the annual average in several locations. For instance, the town of Tagounite, located 450 kilometers south of Rabat, recorded over 100 millimeters of rain in just one day. This rare phenomenon was linked to an extratropical storm—a weather event not commonly seen in this arid region, according to Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology.

The sudden influx of water has reshaped the desert landscape, filling long-dry lake beds, including Lake Iriqui, which had not seen water for 50 years. Meteorologists believe that this storm could change future weather patterns by increasing atmospheric moisture, potentially leading to more frequent storms. While this rainfall benefits local ecosystems by replenishing groundwater and reservoirs, it has also caused significant damage to crops, which were already suffering from prolonged drought conditions. To address the devastation, the Moroccan government allocated emergency relief funds to assist affected communities. However, experts remain cautious, questioning whether this rainfall will provide a long-term solution to the region’s ongoing drought challenges.