Libya’s National Center of Meteorology has issued an urgent warning of possible flash floods across the country’s eastern and southern border regions as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to intensify over the coming hours.
In its weather bulletin on Sunday, the center urged residents to stay away from valleys, dry riverbeds, and low-lying areas, warning that even short bursts of rain could cause dangerous flooding in desert wadis.
Forecasters reported that thunderclouds are already beginning to form over the border areas with Chad, Sudan, and Egypt, particularly around the Al-Awainat Mountains, the Tibesti range, Al-Sarah, and the Kufra region. These storm systems are expected to bring scattered rain, strong downdraft winds, and potential flash floods.
The alert also noted that by Monday evening, storm activity is forecast to spread further south, affecting Al-Qatron and its surrounding areas, as well as border regions shared with Niger.
Earlier in the day, the center reported moderate weather conditions along the northwestern coast, with high humidity, while central and western areas experienced relatively high temperatures. The far southeast, however, has already seen heavy cloud build-up and scattered rainfall, signaling the approach of stronger thunderstorms.
Meteorologists warned that the combination of rugged terrain, poor drainage systems, and desert soil in these regions makes flash floods both sudden and severe. They stressed that residents, travelers, and herders should exercise extreme caution and avoid attempting to cross flooded wadis or drive through storm-hit areas.
Libya’s infrastructure has long struggled to cope with extreme weather events. Experts say that even moderate rainfall can cut off remote communities, damage roads, and disrupt already fragile local services.
