Algiers, Algeria – The National Meteorological Office of Algeria (ONM) issued a severe weather alert Thursday, forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across 20 provinces throughout the interior and eastern regions of the country. The advisory, released early Thursday morning, warns residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, including flash flooding and reduced visibility.
The affected provinces include Tissemsilt, Laghouat, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bejaia, M’Sila, Tiaret, Mila, Guelma, Tizi Ouzou, Annaba, Setif, Djelfa, Constantine, Skikda, Jijel, Ain Defla, Medea, El Tarf, Bouira, and Blida. The ONM bulletin indicates that the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time.
This weather system originates from a low-pressure area moving eastward across the Mediterranean, drawing in moisture and instability over Algeria. The combination of warm surface temperatures and upper-level atmospheric disturbances is creating the ideal conditions for the development of intense thunderstorms.
The ONM is urging citizens in the affected areas to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. These include avoiding travel during the peak hours of the storm, securing loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds, and staying informed about the latest weather updates. Farmers in the agricultural regions are particularly advised to take measures to protect their crops and livestock from potential damage caused by heavy rain and hail.
The Civil Protection services are on high alert and have mobilized teams across the affected provinces to respond to any emergencies that may arise. They are coordinating with local authorities to monitor vulnerable areas prone to flooding and landslides. The Civil Protection Directorate has issued a public awareness campaign, reminding citizens of safety guidelines during thunderstorms, such as avoiding open fields, staying away from metal objects, and seeking shelter indoors. The Directorate also emphasized the importance of not using landline telephones during thunderstorms to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Beyond the immediate threat of flash flooding, the prolonged rainfall could also lead to disruptions in transportation networks, particularly in mountainous regions where landslides are more likely. Road closures are possible, and travelers are advised to check road conditions before embarking on journeys. The national railway company, SNTF, is also monitoring the situation closely and may adjust train schedules if necessary to ensure passenger safety.
While the rainfall is expected to alleviate some of the dryness experienced in certain regions, particularly in the agricultural heartland, the intensity of the storms poses a significant challenge. The ONM is closely monitoring the development of the weather system and will issue further updates as needed. Citizens are encouraged to follow the ONM’s official website and social media channels for the latest information and warnings.
This weather event underscores the increasing vulnerability of Algeria to extreme weather patterns, a trend attributed by many experts to climate change. The frequency and intensity of droughts and floods have been on the rise in recent years, posing significant challenges to the country’s agricultural sector, water resources, and infrastructure. The government is investing in improving weather forecasting capabilities and strengthening disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of these events.
The ONM continues to emphasize the importance of public awareness and preparedness in the face of these challenges, urging citizens to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The current weather alert serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing situation as it unfolds.
