Oujda-Angad Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Morocco

Hot and Dry Summers
Oujda-Angad experiences scorching summers with minimal rainfall. Temperatures typically soar to an average high of 38 degrees Celsius in July and August, making it one of the hottest cities in Morocco. The dry nature of the season is reflected in the extremely low precipitation levels, with an average of only 15 millimeters of rain from June to September. The intense heat and lack of moisture can be challenging for visitors and locals alike, requiring precautions to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.

Mild and Wet Winters
In contrast to the summer, winters in Oujda-Angad are relatively mild and experience more precipitation. Average temperatures range between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius from November to March. Rainfall increases significantly during this period, with an average of 120 millimeters of rain during the winter months. The city can experience occasional fog and chilly winds, but overall, the weather is generally pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities.

Average Temperature in Oujda-Angad, Morocco

Oujda-Angad, Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city’s average annual temperature is 17.2°C (63°F), with the warmest months being July and August, averaging 28°C (82°F). During these months, temperatures can often reach the low 30s Celsius (80s Fahrenheit). The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures of 10°C (50°F). However, temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing during these winter months, especially at night.

Rainfall in Oujda-Angad is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 375 mm (14.8 inches). However, the city does experience a slightly drier period during the summer months, from June to August. The wettest months are generally November and December, with frequent rainfall. The city also sees occasional snowfall during the winter, although it is not as common as in other parts of the country.

Cloud Patterns and Variability

In Oujda-Angad, Morocco, the cloud cover can display a wide range of patterns and variability throughout the year. During the summer months, the sky is often clear or partly cloudy, with sporadic cumulus or cirrus clouds. In the fall and winter, cloud cover becomes more prevalent, and overcast skies with stratus or nimbostratus clouds are common. The presence of clouds can significantly impact temperatures, precipitation, and visibility in the region.

Influence on Local Climate

The cloud cover in Oujda-Angad plays a significant role in shaping the local climate. Clear skies and sunshine contribute to higher daytime temperatures, while overcast skies and cloud cover result in cooler conditions. Clouds can also influence precipitation patterns, as they can lead to rainfall, snowfall, or hail depending on the type of cloud and atmospheric conditions. Moreover, cloud cover affects the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, which can impact plant growth and agricultural productivity.

Historical Annual Precipitation

Oujda-Angad’s annual precipitation exhibits a marked variability, with the average ranging between 350 mm and 450 mm. The wettest year on record was 1965, with over 700 mm of precipitation. Conversely, the driest year, 1971, witnessed less than 200 mm of precipitation. The mean annual precipitation is influenced by the interaction of global circulation patterns, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Mediterranean Oscillation (MO), which modulate the frequency and intensity of rainfall-bearing systems.

Seasonal Distribution

Precipitation distribution in Oujda-Angad is characterized by a pronounced seasonality. The majority of rainfall occurs during the winter months (October to April), while summer months (May to September) experience significantly reduced precipitation. During the cold season, the region is influenced by mid-latitude cyclones and frontal systems associated with the Westerlies, resulting in frequent and often heavy rainfall. In contrast, the summer season is dominated by the Azores High, which brings clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions, leading to a sharp decrease in precipitation. The timing and duration of the wet and dry seasons can vary from year to year, affecting local agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

Rainfall Trends

Oujda-Angad, located in northeastern Morocco, experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures. The average annual rainfall is approximately 300 mm, with most of the precipitation occurring during the winter months from October to March. During this period, the region experiences occasional heavy rainfall events associated with the passage of Mediterranean weather systems. In contrast, the summer months are generally dry, with very little rainfall. The city experiences an extended dry season that lasts from June to September, with almost no measurable precipitation.

Influence of Climate Change

Climate change is projected to have a significant impact on rainfall patterns in Oujda-Angad. As global temperatures rise, the region is likely to experience more frequent and intense droughts, particularly during the summer months. The reduced precipitation is expected to lead to a decrease in water availability for both human use and agricultural purposes. The city’s vulnerability to drought is further exacerbated by its reliance on groundwater resources, which are already under strain due to over-extraction and climate change impacts. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events are expected to increase, potentially leading to an increased risk of flooding and soil erosion. These changing rainfall patterns pose significant challenges for water resource management, agriculture, and overall economic development in the region.

Historical Snowfall Event

Oujda-Angad, a city in eastern Morocco, experienced a significant snowfall event on January 10, 2012. The snowfall, which began as a light dusting in the early morning, quickly intensified into a heavy downpour that blanketed the city in a thick layer of white. By the end of the day, snowdrifts had reached heights of over half a meter in some areas, making it difficult for residents to move around. The snowfall also caused widespread power outages and disrupted transportation services.

Impacts on the City

The heavy snowfall in Oujda-Angad had a major impact on the city. Schools and businesses were closed for several days, and public transportation was severely disrupted. The accumulation of snow on roads made it hazardous for both pedestrians and vehicles, and emergency services were overwhelmed by the number of calls for assistance. The snowfall also caused damage to buildings and infrastructure, with many roofs collapsing under the weight of the snow. The extreme cold and wind chills associated with the snowfall also posed a significant health risk, particularly for the elderly and the homeless.

Sunrise and Sunset Times in Oujda-Angad, Morocco

The timing of sunrise and sunset in Oujda-Angad, Morocco, varies throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. Generally, the earliest sunrise occurs around 6:00 AM during summer months, while the latest sunrise happens around 8:00 AM in winter. Similarly, the earliest sunset occurs around 5:30 PM in winter, and the latest sunset happens around 8:30 PM in summer. These times can vary slightly depending on the exact date and the observer’s location within Oujda-Angad.

Day Length in Oujda-Angad, Morocco

The length of the day in Oujda-Angad, Morocco, also varies throughout the year due to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. The shortest day of the year occurs around December 21st, when Oujda-Angad experiences approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes of daylight. The longest day of the year occurs around June 21st, when the city experiences approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes of daylight. The length of the day gradually increases from December 21st to June 21st and decreases from June 21st to December 21st.

Phases and Appearance

The Moon, Earth’s only natural satellite, exhibits various phases as it orbits around our planet. In Oujda-Angad, Morocco, the Moon’s appearance can be observed in its different stages, including the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. Each phase represents a specific angle of illumination from the Sun, providing unique celestial views.

Effect on Tides and Night Sky

The gravitational pull exerted by the Moon, along with the Sun’s, influences the tides in Oujda-Angad. The highest high tides and lowest low tides occur during full and new moons, known as spring tides. Conversely, during quarter moons, when the Moon’s gravitational pull is perpendicular to the Sun’s, the tidal range is reduced, leading to neap tides. Furthermore, the Moon’s presence significantly brightens the night sky. Its varying luminescence enhances the visibility of stars and constellations, making night-sky observations in Oujda-Angad a captivating experience.

Seasonal Variation

Oujda-Angad, Morocco experiences significant seasonal variation in humidity levels. During the summer months (June to August), the average relative humidity hovers around 40-50%, creating a relatively dry and comfortable environment. However, during the winter months (November to March), humidity levels rise dramatically, with average values reaching 70-80%. This high humidity can make the air feel muggy and uncomfortable, especially during the colder months.

Diurnal Variation

In addition to seasonal variation, humidity levels in Oujda-Angad also exhibit diurnal variation. Generally, humidity is highest in the morning and evening, when the air is cooler and holds more moisture. As the day progresses and the sun heats up the air, humidity levels tend to decrease. This diurnal pattern is evident throughout the year, although the magnitude of the variation is more pronounced during the summer months when the temperature differences between day and night are larger.

Wind Speed

The wind speed in Oujda-Angad, Morocco, varies throughout the year. During the summer months (June-August), the average wind speed is around 15 kilometers per hour (9 miles per hour). In the winter months (December-February), the average wind speed drops to around 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour). The highest wind speeds are typically recorded in the afternoon, while the lowest wind speeds are typically recorded in the early morning.

Wind Direction

The wind direction in Oujda-Angad, Morocco, is predominantly from the west and northwest. This is due to the influence of the prevailing westerlies, which are a global wind pattern that blows from the west towards the east. During the summer months, the wind direction can sometimes shift to the south or southeast, as the influence of the subtropical high-pressure zone increases. During the winter months, the wind direction can sometimes shift to the northeast or north, as the influence of the polar high-pressure zone increases.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is an ideal time to visit Oujda-Angad, Morocco. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This time of year offers the perfect conditions for exploring the city’s many attractions, from its historic medina to its lush gardens. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the nearby Rif Mountains or cycling along the coast.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is another great time to visit Oujda-Angad. The weather is still mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12 to 22 degrees Celsius. The crowds of summer have dissipated, making this a more peaceful time to explore the city. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves and take part in traditional autumn festivals.

Solar Energy Potential in Oujda-Angad

Oujda-Angad enjoys abundant solar radiation, with an average of 2,800 sunshine hours annually. The region’s high solar irradiance makes it an ideal location for solar energy development. The clear skies and low cloud cover provide optimal conditions for photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently. Furthermore, the land availability and affordable labor costs in the region offer additional advantages for large-scale solar installations.

Benefits of Solar Energy Development

Harnessing solar energy in Oujda-Angad offers numerous benefits. Increased solar power generation reduces reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing carbon emissions and contributing to the fight against climate change. Solar energy is a sustainable and cost-effective source of electricity, leading to lower energy bills and increased energy security. The development of solar farms creates job opportunities in the construction and maintenance sectors, stimulating the local economy.

Regional Topography

The topography of Oujda-Angad, Morocco, is dominated by the Rif mountain range to the north and the Middle Atlas mountains to the south. The city of Oujda is situated in a fertile valley between these mountain ranges, at an elevation of around 400 meters above sea level. The surrounding countryside is characterized by rolling hills and plateaus, with occasional outcrops of rocky terrain. The region is also home to several rivers, including the Moulouya and the Bouregreg.

Local Topography

Within the Oujda-Angad area, the topography is more varied. The city itself is built on a series of hills, with the Medina (old city) situated on the highest point. The surrounding suburbs are located on lower-lying ground, with some areas prone to flooding during heavy rains. To the east of the city, the landscape is dominated by the Jbel Hamra mountain range, which reaches an elevation of over 1,000 meters. To the west, the land slopes gently towards the Moulouya River. The river valley is home to fertile agricultural land, which is used to grow a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and olives.

Oujda Angads Airport

Oujda Angads Airport (OUD) is the primary airport serving the city of Oujda, a major city in northeastern Morocco. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of the city center and is the gateway to the region of eastern Morocco. The airport is operated by the Office National des Aéroports (ONDA), the national airport authority of Morocco.

Flights and Destinations

OUD is a regional airport with regular flights to major cities within Morocco, including Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier. The airport also provides connections to European destinations such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. It serves as a hub for Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier of Morocco, and other low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. The airport has one passenger terminal with basic amenities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, duty-free shops, and a restaurant.

Transportation Options

To get to or from OUD, travelers can take a taxi or use public transportation. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and the fare to the city center is approximately 150 Moroccan dirhams (around $15). There is also a bus service that connects the airport to the city center, which takes around 30 minutes. Additionally, rental car services are available for those who prefer to explore the region at their own pace.

History and Culture

Oujda-Angad, located in northeastern Morocco, has a rich and storied history. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilizations, influenced by Berber, Roman, Arab, and French cultures. The city was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC as a military outpost, and it later became a major center of the Almohad Dynasty in the 12th century. During the French Protectorate (1912-1956), Oujda-Angad served as a prominent administrative and military hub. Today, the city is a vibrant blend of traditional and modern influences, with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage.

Geography and Economy

Oujda-Angad lies in the Moulouya Valley, a fertile agricultural region. It borders Algeria to the east and is connected to other major Moroccan cities by road and rail. The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, including the production of wheat, barley, olives, and grapes. Industrial activities include food processing, textiles, and chemicals. Oujda-Angad is also a hub for trade and commerce, with a strong cross-border trade relationship with Algeria. The city boasts several higher education institutions, including Mohammed I University, which contributes to its economic and intellectual development.