Algeria snow ice alerts have been issued by the National Meteorological Office as winter conditions persist despite the official start of spring, with heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and widespread rainfall expected across several regions from March 29 to March 30, 2026.
The first alert concerns the provinces of Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt, Blida, Médéa, Boumerdès, Bejaia, Bouira, and Tizi Ouzou. Snowfall is forecast at elevations above 900 to 1,000 meters, beginning Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until early Monday at 1:00 a.m.
Authorities expect snow accumulation to reach up to 25 centimeters in these areas, raising concerns about icy roads and difficult travel conditions. Temperatures are also set to drop significantly overnight, increasing the risk of freezing surfaces.
A second wave of alerts targets the wilayas of M’Sila, Djelfa, Tiaret, Saïda, Laghouat, and the northern part of El Bayadh. These regions are under an orange alert from Sunday at 12:00 p.m. until Monday at 9:00 a.m., with snowfall expected above 900 meters and accumulation levels potentially reaching 20 centimeters.
In the eastern and highland regions, including Bordj Bou Arreridj, Sétif, Jijel, Mila, Constantine, Batna, Khenchela, Oum El Bouaghi, and Tébessa, snowfall is also forecast at elevations exceeding 1,000 meters. According to the ONM, snow depth in these areas will range between 5 and 15 centimeters during the same period.
Alongside snowfall, heavy rainfall is expected to impact several northern and coastal provinces. Bejaia, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El Tarf, Guelma, and Souk Ahras are forecast to experience continuous rain from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Additional rain alerts have been issued for Tipaza, Algiers, Boumerdès, Tizi Ouzou, Ain Defla, Blida, Médéa, and Bouira. Rainfall in these areas is estimated between 20 and 40 millimeters, with localized peaks potentially exceeding 50 millimeters between Sunday morning and early Monday.
Further inland, provinces such as Bordj Bou Arreridj, Sétif, Mila, Constantine, Oum El Bouaghi, Batna, northern Khenchela, and northern Tébessa are also under an orange rain alert. Precipitation levels in these regions are expected to range between 20 and 30 millimeters on Sunday afternoon and evening.
These Algeria snow ice alerts highlight an unusual extension of winter-like conditions into late March, a period typically marked by milder spring weather. Meteorologists attribute the situation to unstable atmospheric patterns affecting northern Africa.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution, particularly in mountainous and high-altitude areas where road conditions may deteriorate rapidly. Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary journeys during peak snowfall periods.
The current weather system underscores the variability of seasonal transitions in Algeria, with forecasters warning that similar fluctuations could occur in the coming weeks as spring continues to develop.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.