Sahara Desert flooded for first time in decades

Heavy rainfall in the Sahara Desert has created large lakes amid sand dunes, drastically altering the barren landscape.

The region, known for its arid conditions, experienced floods for the first time in decades after intense rains hit southeast Morocco in September, Diaspora Digital Media gathered.

NASA data showed nearly 8 inches of rain in some areas, transforming the desert into a watery expanse.

Errachidia, a desert city in southeast Morocco, recorded almost 3 inches of rain, four times the area’s usual monthly average.

Houssine Youabeb from Morocco’s meteorology agency stated, “It’s been 30 to 50 years since we’ve had this much rain in such a short space of time.”

The town of Merzouga witnessed the most dramatic changes, where new lakes were etched into the sand dunes.

The palm trees’ reflections now shimmer across the newly formed lagoons. In Iriqui National Park, dry lakes were also filled due to the deluge.

While much of the rain fell in remote areas, some towns and villages were affected, leading to deadly floods that killed over a dozen people last month.

Satellite images showed large portions of the northwest Sahara covered in greenery, a rare sight in the world’s largest non-polar desert.

Experts link the unusual rainfall to climate change, warning of more extreme weather in the Sahara as global temperatures rise due to fossil fuel pollution.

Instances of rain in the Sahara

The Sahara Desert has been experiencing unusually heavy rain, with some areas receiving five times their average September rainfall.

This rare event has led to monsoons and flooding in parts of North Africa, with satellite imagery showing a significant change in the desert’s landscape.

While scientists are unclear on the exact cause, it’s thought to be linked to a subdued Atlantic hurricane season.

In fact, the Sahara’s climate has been relatively constant for 2,000 years, but human activity and climate change may be contributing to its stability.

The desert’s climate is dominated by two regimes: a dry subtropical climate in the north and a dry tropical climate in the south.

Notable instances of rain in the Sahara Desert:

1. 2013: Heavy rainfall in Ouargla, Algeria, caused flash flooding, with 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain falling in just 2 hours.

2. 2012: A rare storm brought 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain to Dakhla, Western Sahara.

3. 2005: Tropical Storm Delta brought 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain to parts of Algeria and Tunisia.

4. 1998: Heavy rainfall in Tamanrasset, Algeria, caused severe flooding.

5. 1988: Rare snowfall occurred in Ain Salah, Algeria.

Historical Records:

1. 1922: Record rainfall in Cairo, Egypt, with 105 mm (4.1 in) in 24 hours.

2. 1909: Heavy rainfall in Tripoli, Libya, caused widespread flooding.

Average Annual Rainfall:

1. Some areas receive as little as 1 mm (0.04 in) of rain per year.

2. The Sahel region receives around 200-400 mm (7.9-15.7 in) annually.

3. The Atlas Mountains receive up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) annually.

Rainfall in the Sahara is often short-lived but can have significant impacts on the environment and local populations.

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