A persistent and severe polar air mass continues its hold over Algeria, marking a significant winter weather event for January 7th, 2026. This is not a typical cold snap but a multi-hazard episode combining intense cold, widespread snowfall, and heavy rainfall, posing distinct challenges across different regions. The National Meteorological Office (ONM) has escalated its warnings by maintaining multiple Special Weather Bulletins (BMS), a clear signal for heightened public and administrative vigilance across numerous wilayas.
The core driver of this event is a deep, cold polar air mass entrenched over the country. From the early hours, a severe cold wave has tightened its grip, particularly on interior plateaus and highlands. Regions like the south of Tlemcen, Naâma, northern El Bayadh, Laghouat, Djelfa, Batna, and northern Khenchela are experiencing minimum temperatures plunging to around -5 °C. This is critical because such temperatures, especially when combined with wind (wind chill), significantly increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for exposed individuals and place substantial stress on infrastructure and livestock.
BMS – Snowfall: Which Regions Are Affected?
The thermal profile for the day starkly illustrates the divide: while coastal areas see milder minimums of 0 to 4 °C, the interior shivers between -4 and -2 °C, with daytime maximums struggling to reach around 4 °C. In practical terms, this means ice will not melt on roads and surfaces in these regions throughout the day, creating persistent black ice hazards.
Simultaneously, significant snowfall is the second major actor in this weather drama. The event features a two-tiered snow impact:
1. Eastern Highlands (Mila, Constantine, Skikda, etc.): Snowfall is occurring above 900-1,000 meters with accumulations of 5-10 cm. This primarily affects higher mountain passes and rural roads.
2. Central & Western Highlands (Tlemcen, Tiaret, Médéa, Blida, Tizi Ouzou, Sétif, etc.): Here, the situation is more severe. The snow line is descending to around 800 meters, bringing wintry conditions to more populated areas. Accumulations of 10-15 cm are expected, with localized totals potentially exceeding 25 cm in the major mountain ranges like Ouarsenis, Chréa, Djurdjura, and Babors. Such depths can lead to road blockages, power line damage from heavy, wet snow, and isolation of villages.
Weather Alert in Algeria: Heavy Rain Expected in These Wilayas!
Adding complexity, heavy, sometimes thundery rain is soaking northern and coastal regions. This rainfall, expected to continue into Thursday and Friday, presents a dual risk: it causes localized flooding and drainage issues in urban areas, while in interior zones near the freezing line, it can lead to freezing rain—a particularly dangerous phenomenon that creates a glaze of ice on everything it touches, making roads impassable and bringing down trees and power lines.
Finally, the maritime domain is not spared. Rough to very rough seas along the entire coastline, driven by winds up to 60 km/h, make navigation hazardous for all vessels and pose risks of coastal erosion.
Integrated Risk Assessment & Recommended Actions:
This compound event requires a layered response. Authorities are urging extreme caution, but citizens can take specific steps:
• For Travel: Avoid all non-essential travel in the warned wilayas, especially mountain roads. If travel is necessary, equip vehicles with winter tires, chains, and an emergency kit (blankets, food, water, flashlight).
• For Communities: Prepare for potential isolation in high-snow areas. Check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure adequate heating supplies are available safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• For Agriculture: Protect livestock from the extreme cold and ensure water sources are not frozen.
• At Sea: All maritime activities should heed warnings; small craft should remain in port.
This persistent pattern, forecast to last through the week, underscores the importance of heeding official ONM bulletins and civil protection directives. This is a dynamic and serious weather situation where conditions can deteriorate rapidly, particularly at higher elevations and on exposed roadways.