Extreme weather hits Arab countries, kills 8 in Tunisia and Morocco
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Extreme weather kills eight people in Tunisia and Morocco, as storms and heavy rainfall continue across several Arab countries.
- Authorities issue warnings and close schools, while multiple countries face cold waves, snow, and flooding.
At least eight people have died in Tunisia and Morocco over the past two days due to floods, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather, as official warnings indicate that harsh conditions will continue across several Arab countries.
Data from national meteorological agencies show that the storms are affecting Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
Five dead in Tunisia
Tunisia reported five fatalities Wednesday, following a day of heavy rainfall that disrupted public services and closed schools in 15 governorates. Metro lines were also suspended.
Read more: Jordan braces for extreme weather, flash floods
The government announced closures in northern, eastern, and western regions due to persistent bad weather. Civil protection authorities recovered a body in Houaria, Nabeul governorate, raising the total death toll from floods to five after four deaths were reported Tuesday in Moknine, Monastir governorate.
The National Guard said several roads remain blocked by flooded wadis, while the National Meteorological Institute recorded heavy rainfall across most of the country.
Three dead in Morocco
In Morocco, authorities reported three deaths after an avalanche struck Jebel Toubkal, the country’s highest peak. Meteorological services warned of heavy rain, snow, and strong winds expected from Wednesday through Thursday, accompanied by a cold wave affecting multiple regions.
Read more: “Extreme cold”: Winter storm forecast to slam huge expanse of US
Earlier, in December 2025, heavy rainfall and snowstorms in Moroccan cities including Asfi caused 37 deaths.
Extreme conditions in Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain
Iraq’s Meteorological Department forecast a winter weather system from Thursday through Sunday, brought by a cold air mass and an upper-level low, affecting most cities with varying severity.
In Syria, authorities issued warnings for nighttime frost Thursday and a cold polar low expected to bring snow and rain across several areas through Friday. Residents were urged to take heating precautions and avoid unnecessary travel.
Egypt’s meteorological agency reported cold nights and early mornings with moderate daytime warmth, scattered rain, and winds that may stir dust and reduce visibility.
Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorology Center warned of a cold wave and dust in several regions, expected to last through Thursday morning. Bahrain issued frost warnings with temperatures dropping below 3°C and potentially below zero in some agricultural and desert areas.
