Sahara's Unbelievable Rainfall: A Deluge Amid the Dunes

A rare deluge left lagoons in the Sahara desert, reviving drought-stricken areas with unprecedented rainfall. Southeastern Morocco received more water in days than seen in decades, replenishing aquifers but causing fatalities and crop damage. The impact of this extratropical storm may influence future regional weather patterns.

In an extraordinary weather event, southeastern Morocco's Sahara desert experienced a rare deluge, transforming arid landscapes into scenes of unexpected abundance. The downpour, which surpassed seasonal averages in just two days, brought much-needed relief to drought-stricken regions.

The rainfall, categorized as an extratropical storm, was most pronounced in remote areas such as Tata and Tagounite, which recorded 100 mm within 24 hours. This unprecedented rain left blue lagoons amidst palms and dunes, a sight unseen for decades, captivating both locals and tourists.

However, the storm's aftermath wasn't solely positive, as it led to over 20 fatalities across Morocco and Algeria and impacted the local agriculture sector. Authorities have initiated emergency relief measures, recognizing the potential long-term implications on regional weather systems.

(With inputs from agencies.)