Oujda Wakes Up to a White Surprise After 25 Years
The morning of January 7, 2026, broke with an unusual sight in Oujda. For the first time in nearly a quarter century, snow fell across the central areas of this northeastern Moroccan city. Approximately two centimetres of snow settled on downtown streets, transforming the urban landscape. Nearby villages experienced even heavier snowfall, creating a stark contrast to the region's typical dry winters.
A City Unaccustomed to Snow
Oujda normally experiences winter temperatures between 4°C and 10°C. The climate remains cold but dry, with clear mornings and muted colors dominating the season. Snow typically belongs to other parts of Morocco, far from this city near the Algerian border. That made the sight of snow-dusted rooftops, pavements, and parked cars particularly surprising for residents.
Local officials called the event unusual. Residents described it as peculiar. For several hours, the city paused its normal rhythm to absorb this rare meteorological occurrence.
Residents React with Wonder and Cameras
People walked through snow-lined streets with varied reactions. Some laughed openly. Others filmed the scene with smartphones. Many simply stood still, taking in the unfamiliar white blanket. Heavy outerwear, more common in mountain towns, appeared throughout the city.
Social media platforms filled quickly with images of Oujda under its pale white layer. For younger residents, this marked their first experience of snow in their hometown. The event created immediate visual documentation across digital platforms.
Weather Experts Explain the Phenomenon
Meteorologists attributed the snowfall to a sharp temperature drop across North Africa. Arabia Weather reported that Morocco experienced a deep low-pressure system. This system pushed a very cold air mass into the region, bringing temperatures close to zero degrees Celsius even at lower altitudes.
The combination allowed snow crystals to reach ground level without melting. Oujda's geographical position played a crucial role too. The city remains open to cold northerly and easterly winds, which helped turn precipitation into snow rather than rain. Snow showers began on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday morning, leaving their visible mark.
Surrounding Villages Experience Heavier Snowfall
While Oujda's city centre recorded about 2 centimetres of snow, surrounding areas saw more intense conditions. Villages like Tinisan and Touissit reported snowfall up to 10 centimetres. The cold wave affected these areas more heavily due to their location slightly outside the urban core.
Roads and rooftops in these villages received thicker coatings of snow. Movement slowed as residents adjusted to the unusual conditions. Though snow remains common in Morocco's High and Middle Atlas mountain ranges, including ski areas like Ifrane and Oukaimeden, it stays unusual in this northeastern region. That contrast made the event stand out even more dramatically.
A Rare Event Creates Lasting Memories
Despite the bitter cold, many residents expressed genuine happiness. Some described the snowfall as a welcome change from routine. Others saw it as a positive sign for water reserves and agriculture in the region. Streets showed no sense of alarm, only curiosity and quiet excitement.
As the snow began thinning and melting, Oujda gradually returned to its usual colors. The event left behind countless videos, photographs, and memories that may not return for many years. This rare snowfall created a temporary transformation that residents will likely discuss for decades.
