Residents in a North African city have experienced significant snowfall for the first time in approximately 25 years – as footage shows locals in heavy outerwear frolicking in snow-lined streets.
On January 7, 2026, the northeastern Moroccan city of Oujda recorded two centimetres of snow in the city centre, while surrounding villages saw up to 10 centimetres.
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 sit between 4C and 10C.
While snow is a normal occurrence in Morocco’s High and Middle Atlas mountain ranges, home to ski resorts such as Ifrane and Oukaimeden, it is out of the ordinary for Oujda, which is situated near the border with Algeria.
Though some local reports claim Oujda last experienced notable snow about 14 years ago, many sources such as Arabia Weather widely cite a longer period of around 25 years.
The white blanket left on streets and rooftops stirred excitement among locals, who took to social media to document the event.
Footage shared to Instagram by @world_climat_news_2026 on 9 January shows residents in the city centre wearing hooded coats as they trudge through and marvel at the snow, while youths build snowmen and excitedly take part in snowball fights.
On January 7, 2026, the northeastern Moroccan city of Oujda experienced significant snowfall for the first time in approximately 25 years
Stunning scenes in rural areas show motorists cautiously making their way across slushy roads while thick flurries continue to blanket the streets below snow-topped palm trees.
One viewer commented: ‘Since when has Morocco had snow fall??? This is amazing!’
Another wrote, ‘Love seeing everyone have snowball fights’, while a third added, ‘This city is further north than Buenos Aires in Argentina is south.
‘Plus it’s 500m above sea level and it’s inland. Despite basically in the Sahara desert, snow is obviously a possibility’.
However, a fourth solemnly commented: ‘Has anyone wondered why so called experts stopped bothering us about global warming? Once again mother nature shows humans that she’s in charge. Nothing we can do about it. Just enjoy.’
Meanwhile, a rising number of British male travellers are heading to Morocco for the most unlikely reason – and it’s not for the weather or local food.
It comes as the cold weather has led to travel chaos across Europe.
British tourists told of their ‘nightmare’ in Finland’s Lapland today as they were among thousands stranded after flights were cancelled due to the severe cold.
Stunning scenes in rural areas show motorists cautiously making their way across slushy roads while thick flurries continue to blanket the streets
Temperatures at Kittila Airport will plummet to nearly -40C (-40F) today following several days of freezing weather that saw lows of -37C (-35F) yesterday.
Cancelled flights have so far included those heading to London, Manchester, Paris and Amsterdam – while today’s first scheduled flight was axed last night.
Passengers are desperately waiting for updates at the airport but officials said the weather was extremely difficult for de-icing aircraft, maintenance and refuelling.
Heavy snow, high winds and icy roads were exacerbating problems with local travel as airlines tried to put people on buses to get them to other airports for flights home.
