People drive over a bridge through fog and cold weather, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Cairo, Egypt February 16, 2021. REUTERS
Egypt has been seeing unstable weather for the second day in a row, with low temperatures, freezing rain, heavy winds, dense clouds, and mist hitting various parts of Egypt.
While the spell has had no remarkable impact on road traffic flow, a number of ports were ordered closed in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh and fishing activities were suspended as a precautionary measure.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) shared online footage showing various areas across the country showered by light to heavy rainfall and coastal areas hit by ice and snow rain.
The EMA reported ice pellets in Alexandria, Beheira, and Port Said, with swathes slicked with snow.
The cold snap is caused by a tropical depression arriving from Cyprus, which is one of the major tropical depressions to hit the Mediterranean Sea. The Cyprus wave ends in March, according to meteorologists.
The meteorologists urged citizens to exercise caution until the three-day cold wave ends on Friday.
The EMA said the wave is forecast to travel up eastern and northwest coasts, Lower Egypt, Cairo, Upper Egypt, and South Sinai. Active wind and thunder are expected, so is a storm in northern Upper Egypt.
Light to moderate rain is expected in Cairo, Giza, Qalioubiya, Ismailiya, Suez, Sharqiya, Gharbiya, Menoufiya, Fayoum, and Beni Suef, whereas heavy rainfall is forecast in Matrouh, Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said, Kafr El-Sheikh, Beheira, Daqahliya, and South Sinai.
The EMA called on people to wear heavy clothing, avoid standing under old billboards and trees and touching the lighting poles. It also advised people with respiratory problems to stay at home.
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