Residents of a North African city were left stunned this month after snow fell in the streets for the first time in decades, turning a usually dry urban landscape into a winter scene more typical of Europe than North Africa.
On 7 January 2026, the city of Oujda, near Morocco’s border with Algeria, recorded about two centimetres of snow in its city centre. Nearby towns and villages saw even heavier falls, with up to 10 centimetres reported in some areas.
The snowfall occurred during an intense cold snap that pushed temperatures sharply lower across parts of North Africa, driven by a powerful low-pressure system and an influx of cold air.
Rare snowfall for a semi-arid region
Oujda lies in a semi-arid region where winter temperatures typically range between 4°C and 10°C, making snowfall highly unusual.
While snow is common in Morocco’s High and Middle Atlas mountains, home to ski resorts such as Ifrane and Oukaimeden, it is rarely seen in low-lying cities like Oujda.
According to DailyMail, some local reports suggest the city last saw snow around 14 years ago, but weather services such as Arabia Weather estimate that it has been closer to 25 years since Oujda experienced a comparable snowfall.
Streets turn white as residents celebrate
The unexpected snowfall sparked excitement across the city, with residents wrapping up in heavy jackets and heading outdoors to enjoy the rare moment.
Videos and photos shared on social media showed snow-dusted rooftops, cars and streets, with locals laughing, playing and documenting what many described as a once-in-a-generation event.
