An unseasonable cold snap brought snow and freezing temperatures to parts of the Maghreb region over the weekend of May 16-17, 2026, according to meteorological reports. The Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria experienced significant snowfall, with accumulations reported at higher elevations.
Temperatures dropped well below average for mid-May, with some areas recording lows near 0°C (32°F). The unusual weather prompted warnings from local authorities, advising residents and travelers to exercise caution, especially in mountainous areas where roads became slippery.
Meteorologists attribute the phenomenon to a cold air mass moving south from Europe, colliding with moist air from the Mediterranean. While snow in the Atlas Mountains is not unheard of in spring, such intensity in mid-May is considered rare.
No major disruptions or damages have been reported as of May 16, 2026. The cold spell is expected to ease by early next week, with temperatures gradually returning to seasonal averages.
