Residents of Oujda in northeastern Morocco witnessed an extraordinary weather event this month as snow settled across the city for the first time in decades.
The semi-arid urban centre, which typically experiences mild winters, briefly transformed into a scene more reminiscent of Europe than North Africa.
The snowfall was recorded on 7 January 2026, when around two centimetres of snow accumulated in the city centre.
Surrounding towns and villages reported even heavier flurries, with some areas receiving up to 10 centimetres.
The event formed part of an intense cold spell driven by a strong low-pressure system and a surge of icy air sweeping across the region.
Although snowfall is common in Morocco’s High and Middle Atlas mountains, including well-known ski destinations such as Ifrane and Oukaimeden, it is an exceptional occurrence in low-lying cities like Oujda.
The area generally sees winter temperatures between 4°C and 10°C, making the recent conditions particularly unusual.
While some local accounts claim the last snowfall occurred about 14 years ago, regional weather services suggest it may have been closer to a quarter of a century since the city experienced anything comparable.
The rare winter spectacle drew crowds of excited residents, many of whom ventured outside in thick jackets to experience the moment firsthand.
Images and videos circulated widely online, capturing snow-covered rooftops and streets, as well as residents taking in what many viewed as a once-in-a-generation sight.
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