Sahara Desert experiences rare flooding after extratropical cyclone hits Morocco

The Sahara Desert experienced rare flooding after an extratropical cyclone brought heavy rain on September 7 and 8. Some areas received a year’s worth of rain in just two days, particularly affecting southeastern Morocco, where communities like Tata and Tagounite were hit hard. The flooding caused significant damage, including flash floods, washed-out roads, and power outages. Over 20 people died in Morocco and Algeria due to the storms, which followed six years of drought in the region. Satellite images show Saharan lakes, including Lake Iriqui, filled with floodwaters after decades of dryness. The rainfall may impact local weather patterns and replenish vital groundwater supplies, but the long-term effects on drought conditions remain uncertain.