Rain in the desert – Algeria particularly affected

Algeria affected
Rain in the desert

Weather radar showing clouds and showers over Algeria and Morocco. Next to it, a warning map with the rain area in Algeria marked. Surrounding regions mostly sunny and dry.

: Heavy rain is falling again today in parts of Algeria. A heavy rain warning is in effect.

For several days now, a low-pressure system over North Africa has been bringing unusually heavy rain. In northern Algeria and Morocco, rainfall reached 50 to 100 litres per square metre in some areas, and even more in certain regions.

Even in the Sahara, high rainfall levels were recorded. In some places, it rained as much in one day as it normally does in two months.

Continued heavy rain until Friday

By Friday, a further 20 to 50 litres, and in some cases even up to 100 litres, could accumulate. There is a risk of flash floods and flooded depressions, as the desert soil can hardly absorb any water. The weather will not calm down until the weekend.

The rare rain creates new rivers and small lakes, as shown in images fromErg Chegaga. This is Morocco's largest sand desert on the border with Algeria.