Cloud seeding throughout the year in Morocco?

Moroccan meteorological services have announced that cloud seeding operations, initiated under the national “Al Ghaith” program, will now continue throughout the year. This initiative aims to increase rainfall and snowfall, thus contributing to the country’s water security, supporting agriculture and improving socio-economic conditions. It also plays a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change and the drought that regularly affects Morocco.

The cloud seeding program relies on the use of modern technologies and international cooperation, combining aerial and ground interventions to maximize the impact of precipitation. Two specialized aircraft are deployed for cloud seeding, equipped with sensors to analyze atmospheric conditions and adjust intervention methods.

Using airplanes to seed clouds

Cloud seeding in Morocco relies mainly on two types of aircraft. The King Air 200 is used to treat stratus clouds with salt or silver nitrate cartridges, while the Alpha-Jet works on cumuliform clouds. These aircraft make it possible to precisely target clouds conducive to precipitation, thus increasing the chances of success of the operations.

In parallel, the programme also has land-based resources distributed across three centres in Beni Mellal, Azilal and El Hajeb. These sites are equipped with ground-based generators that release substances into the atmosphere to seed the clouds. Twenty fixed generators are currently operational, as well as three mobile generators used in mountainous areas, where they diffuse silver iodide, carried by updrafts towards the clouds.

Details on recent floods

Contrary to some reports relayed by foreign media, the General Directorate of Meteorology has clarified that the recent floods that have affected the Atlas regions and the southeastern slopes of the country are not linked to seeding operations. Indeed, the authorities refrain from intervening when weather conditions are deemed dangerous.

Cloud seeding operations are strictly regulated by international standards and follow a rigorous scientific protocol. Constant monitoring of weather conditions helps to decide when and where to carry out interventions, ensuring safe precipitation management.

Expanding program to combat drought

The Al Ghaith program, launched in 1984 under the leadership of the late King Hassan II, has undergone several phases of development. After a period of experimentation, the program became operational in 1996 and continues to improve through the use of cutting-edge technologies. A geographical and temporal extension of the program is also underway, with the addition of four new centers and 24 sites in the regions of Taza, Khenifra, Tensift and Souss.

As part of efforts to mitigate the effects of the drought, the Moroccan government has strengthened coordination between different ministries and institutions. The Ministry of Equipment and Water, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Royal Armed Forces are notably involved in the management of the program, highlighting the national importance of this initiative.

By integrating additional means, such as automatic weather stations and radars covering the intervention zones, Morocco hopes to better manage its water resources and respond to growing climate challenges.

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