On Saturday, Libya’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued an urgent weather alert for the country’s northwestern regions, warning of intense thunderstorms expected to cause flash floods. The warning applies to mountain and coastal areas where heavy rains are predicted, potentially causing rivers and wadis to overflow this evening.
Thunderclouds are expected to develop quickly, leading to scattered rainfall tonight, particularly over the Jabal Nafusa Mountains and coastal zones. The meteorological office highlighted the risk of flash floods as runoff could overwhelm rivers, streams, and low-lying areas.
The rain is expected to intensify tomorrow and continue through Monday, impacting a wide range of areas. The cities most at risk are those stretching from east of Tripoli to Misrata, Sirte, Gharyan, Tarhuna, Msallata, and Bani Walid.
The NCM has issued a stern warning about the dangers of flooded wadis, cautioning residents about flash floods that could result from the downpours. These fast-moving floods pose serious risks, especially in low-lying areas where water accumulation is likely.
In addition to the rain, strong winds are expected to accompany thunderstorms. During periods of severe weather, hailstorms may also occur, potentially worsening local conditions. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors during storms, and follow updates from official weather channels for the latest developments.
Meanwhile, eastern Libya is expected to see more stable weather conditions. Although some light rain may affect the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) area, most of the eastern regions will remain dry with scattered clouds.
Temperatures will remain moderate across much of northern Libya, with daytime highs ranging between 27°C and 32°C. In contrast, the central and southern regions will experience significantly higher temperatures, ranging from 35°C to 41°C.
Libya is no stranger to flash floods, especially in areas with mountainous terrain like Jabal Nafusa. During the autumn and winter months, heavy rains often cause these areas’ wadis to overflow. In many urban regions, a lack of adequate drainage infrastructure further exacerbates the risk, as water accumulates quickly during intense storms. Recent climate patterns have made these events more frequent and severe.
The country has witnessed the devastating effects of extreme weather in the past, most notably the deadly floods that struck eastern Libya in September 2023. That disaster caused significant damage and loss of life, particularly in the city of Derna. Since then, there has been a heightened awareness of the need for public safety and preparedness in response to severe weather.
