This African city wakes up to snowfall for the first time in 25 years

The morning did not arrive quietly in Oujda. For the first time in nearly 25 years, snowfall was observed in the central area of the city, located in the northeastern region of Morocco, on January 7, 2026. Approximately two centimetres of snow settled across the downtown streets, while the adjacent villages experienced significantly more snowfall. Considering that it was a semi-arid city located near the Algerian border, the sight seemed unusual. Officials referred to it as an unusual occurrence, while locals referred to it as peculiar. For a few hours, the city paused to evaluate itself once more in a more deliberate manner.Snow is not a common sight in Oujda. Winter temperatures typically range from 4°C to 10°C, with clear mornings and muted colours. Snow belongs in other parts of Morocco, away from the city centre and the daily activities of the east. That's why seeing sparsely covered rooftops, pavements, and parked automobiles surprised me.Residents were observed walking through snow-covered streets, with some smiling, filming, and others simply standing still. Many donned substantial coats, which is more prevalent in mountain towns. Social media rapidly became flooded with photographs of the city covered in a thin film of white. Many younger residents had never seen snow where they lived before.Weather experts said the snowfall followed a sharp drop in temperatures across parts of North Africa. According to Arabia Weather, Morocco was affected by a deep low-pressure system that pushed a very cold air mass into the region. Temperatures fell close to zero degrees Celsius, even at low altitudes.This combination allowed snow crystals to reach the ground without melting. Oujda’s geographical position also played a role. The city is open to cold northerly and easterly winds, which helped turn precipitation into snow rather than rain. Snow showers began on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday morning, leaving a visible layer across the city.While Oujda itself saw around 2 centimetres of snow in the city centre, the surrounding areas experienced more intense conditions. Villages such as Tinisan and Touissit recorded snowfall up to 10 centimetres. The cold wave heavily affected these areas, which lie slightly outside the urban core.Roads and rooftops in these villages were coated more thickly, and movement slowed as residents adjusted to the conditions. Though snow is common in Morocco’s High and Middle Atlas mountain ranges, including ski areas like Ifrane and Oukaimeden, it remains unusual in this part of the country. That contrast made the event stand out even more.Despite the bitter cold, many residents expressed happiness. Some described the snowfall as a welcome change; others as a positive sign for water reserves and agriculture. There was no sense of alarm in the streets, only curiosity and quiet excitement. As the snow began to thin and melt, the city slowly returned to its usual colours, leaving behind videos, photos, and a memory that may not return for many years.