Algeria's National Office of Meteorology (الديوان الوطني للأرصاد الجوية) issued a special bulletin on Thursday, warning of impending heavy thunderstorms across several provinces. The bulletin, released on Thursday morning, indicated that rainfall could reach up to 40 mm in affected areas. These weather conditions are expected to impact various regions, prompting authorities to advise caution and preparedness among residents. The National Office of Meteorology, the primary governmental body for weather forecasting in Algeria, emphasized the potential for significant precipitation.
First Storm Bulletin Details
The initial bulletin from the National Office of Meteorology issued a Level 2 alert for the impending thunderstorms, signifying a moderate to high risk. This first alert specified that the rains were expected to affect nine provinces in eastern Algeria: Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El Tarf, Mila, Constantine, Guelma, Souk Ahras, and Oum El Bouaghi. Residents in these specific eastern provinces were advised to take necessary precautions. Rainfall amounts in these areas were anticipated to range between 20 to 40 mm, a quantity that can lead to localized flooding and disruption. The validity period for this first bulletin was set to begin at 2 PM and conclude at 11 PM on the day of issuance, indicating a nine-hour window during which the severe weather was most likely to occur. The office stressed the importance of monitoring official updates throughout this period.
Expanded Storm Warnings Issued
A second weather bulletin, also issued by Algeria's National Office of Meteorology (الديوان الوطني للأرصاد الجوية) on Thursday, carried a Level 1 alert for additional provinces, indicating a lower but still present risk of thunderstorms. This expanded warning indicated that rains were expected to affect a broader range of provinces, including Algiers, Tipaza, Souk Ahras, Ouargla, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Relizane, Bejaia, Ghardaia, Beni Abbes, Msila, In Guezzam, Tamanrasset, and Reggane. The inclusion of these provinces noted the widespread nature of the anticipated weather phenomenon.
The second bulletin further included Tebessa, Guelma, In Salah, Tizi Ouzou, Chlef, Batna, Tindouf, Annaba, Setif, Djanet, Djelfa, Illizi, Tlemcen, Constantine, El Meniâ, Skikda, El Bayadh, Jijel, Khenchela, Ain Defla, Medea, Biskra, El Tarf, Adrar, Saida, Naama, Boumerdes, Bouira, Mascara, Ouled Djellal, Blida, and Bechar. This extensive list covered numerous regions across the country, from coastal areas to the southern interior. The validity period for this second alert was set to begin at 3 PM and extend until midnight on the same day, providing residents in these areas with a specific timeframe for potential weather impacts. The overlapping validity periods of the two bulletins showed the dynamic nature of the weather system.
Meteorological Office Context
The National Office of Meteorology (الديوان الوطني للأرصاد الجوية) is the primary governmental body responsible for weather forecasting and meteorological services in Algeria. Its operations encompass monitoring atmospheric conditions, issuing weather advisories, and providing essential data for various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and public safety. The office regularly releases bulletins to inform the public and relevant authorities about potential weather hazards, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and other extreme conditions across the country. Provinces such as Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El Tarf, Mila, Constantine, Guelma, Souk Ahras, and Oum El Bouaghi are among those frequently covered by these warnings, given their geographical vulnerability to specific weather patterns. Other regions, including Algiers, Tipaza, Ouargla, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Relizane, Bejaia, Ghardaia, Beni Abbes, Msila, In Guezzam, Tamanrasset, and Reggane, also fall under its purview for full weather monitoring and alerts. The proactive issuance of these bulletins aims to minimize risks and ensure public safety during adverse weather events.