Residents of the Moroccan city of Oujda have experienced snowfall for the first time in approximately 25 years, recording an inch of snow in the city center, while surrounding villages saw up to 4 inches. The snowfall is said to have occurred during a cold snap that brought a sharp drop in temperatures across parts of North Africa, driven by a powerful low-pressure system and cold air mass. The rare natural phenomenon came as a surprise to residents in the semi-arid region, where winter temperatures usually range between 40º and 50º F. The white blanket left on streets and rooftops stirred excitement among locals, who took to social media to document the event. Residents could be seen wearing hooded coats as they trudged through the snow, with children building snowmen and taking part in snowball fights. Motorists cautiously made their way across slushy roads while thick flurries continued to blanket the streets. The attitude that prevailed in the midst of the unusual weather was summed up in one social media post: “Once again, mother nature shows humans that she’s in charge. Nothing we can do about it, so just enjoy.”
