Béni-Mellal Province

Béni Mellal Province is located in the Atlas Mountains with a plateau situated 400 to 600 meters above sea level, as well as mountains rising to 2,460 meters (Mount Ighnayen) and 2,240 meters (Mount Tassemit). The high mountains are covered with snow from November to April.

Beni Mellal Province has a continental climate with rainfall varying between 350 and 650 mm depending on the year. November is the rainiest month, with almost 25% of the annual precipitation. Snow is not uncommon on the plateau in winter. Extreme temperatures on the plateau range from a -6 °C in January 2005 to a 47 °C in July 2007. The summer is normally very hot because of the burning easterly or southeasterly winds, known as chergui, which blow off the Sahara and raise the temperature above 40 °C. The heat waves sometimes end in violent thunderstorms.

The major cities and towns are:

• Aghbala
• Beni Mellal
• El Ksiba
• Kasba Tadla
• Oulad M Barek
• Oulad Yaich
• Sidi Jaber
• Zaouiat Cheikh

Other towns and settlements include:

• Tartemat

The province is divided administratively into the following:[1]