Unusual floods in the Sahara desert: transformation of the landscape after decades of drought

One of the most unusual meteorological events in the history of the Sahara occurred in early October 2024, when parts of southeastern Morocco experienced a rare and intense rainstorm. Over two days, regions such as Tagounite and Tata, which are typically known for their extremely dry conditions, received over 100 millimeters of rain in just 24 hours. This extreme weather phenomenon triggered torrents that completely transformed the desert landscape, creating lakes and streams where only sandy dunes existed before.

Climate causes and global impact

Meteorological experts from Morocco believe that the main cause of this unusual storm was the warming of the Atlantic Ocean, which acted like an "humidifier" for the air, adding additional moisture to the atmosphere. An extratropical cyclone pulled this moisture southward, causing heavy precipitation in areas that usually receive less than 250 millimeters of rain annually. Additionally, the shifting of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) due to global warming also contributed to the accumulation of rainfall in parts of North Africa that typically do not experience such amounts of precipitation.

Impact on local communities and the environment

For local communities in Morocco, the floods were a double-edged sword. On one hand, the intense rain temporarily alleviated the prolonged drought affecting these regions, resulting in the replenishment of aquifers, vital sources of drinking water and agriculture. Water reservoirs in the region reported record levels of fullness, temporarily securing more water for local agriculture and communities.

On the other hand, the damage caused by the floods was significant. Floods destroyed roads and homes, and more than 20 people died in Morocco and Algeria. Farmers, who were already facing the consequences of prolonged drought, now had to watch as their crops were destroyed by excess water. Many livestock had to be relocated, and agricultural production across large parts of the region was seriously threatened.

Ecological consequences: opportunities and risks

While the floods brought desperately needed water, they also posed risks to the desert ecosystem. Soils in deserts are extremely fragile, and a sudden influx of water can cause erosion, stripping away the topsoil upon which plants and farmers depend. This process can leave long-lasting consequences, making it difficult to cultivate plants in the future.

Moreover, desert ecosystems are adapted to extreme dryness. A sudden rise in water levels can disrupt these delicate systems. While some plant and animal species may take advantage of new water sources, others could struggle to survive in altered conditions. Lake Iriqui, which had been dry for over 50 years, is now once again filled with water, but it remains uncertain whether this change will benefit local plant and animal species in the long term.

Climate change and future extreme weather events

This event has drawn the attention of scientists worldwide as it fits into a broader pattern of extreme weather phenomena linked to climate change. As the atmosphere warms, it holds more moisture, which can result in stronger and more intense storms even in areas that are usually dry like the Sahara. Experts warn that floods in deserts, though rare, could become more frequent in the future.

The unpredictability of such weather events further highlights the vulnerability of desert regions and the communities living within them. Most residents in deserts are unprepared for large amounts of rain, and infrastructure in these areas is not designed for such extremes. If these events continue, they could permanently alter the landscape and way of life in the Sahara. Preparation and adaptation to these new realities are becoming crucial for communities that rely on the scarce resources of the desert ecosystem.