Heavy rainfall in the Sahara Desert has dramatically altered its arid landscape, creating large lakes amidst sand dunes. Southeast Morocco experienced unprecedented flooding in September, with some areas receiving nearly 8 inches of rain. Errachidia, a desert city, recorded almost 3 inches of rain, four times its usual monthly average. According to Houssine Youabeb of Morocco’s meteorology agency, this level of rainfall has not occurred in 30 to 50 years.
The town of Merzouga witnessed the most striking changes, with new lakes forming among the sand dunes. Palm trees now reflect shimmeringly across the newly formed lagoons. Iriqui National Park’s dry lakes were also filled due to the deluge. While much of the rain fell in remote areas, some towns and villages were affected, resulting in deadly floods that claimed over a dozen lives.
Satellite images reveal extensive greenery covering the northwest Sahara, a rare sight in the world’s largest non-polar desert. Climate change is cited as the primary cause of this unusual rainfall. Experts warn of more extreme weather events in the Sahara as global temperatures rise due to fossil fuel pollution. The floods serve as a stark example of how human activity can disrupt natural cycles, potentially altering the desert’s ecosystem.
This unexpected phenomenon has transformed the Sahara’s barren landscape, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the Sahara may experience more frequent and intense rainstorms, forever changing its unique environment.
