A sand storm is moving toward Cairo on Monday from the south, at a speed of 20 knots, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) said, and is heading north-west.

Egypt's Traffic Authority has closed six highways in Upper Egypt and in the New Valley governorate due to low visibility levels: the Qena-Sohag Western Desert road, the Al-Dakhla-Al-Owienat road, the Al-Kharga-Assiut road, the Al-Kharga-Paris Oasis road, the Al-Kharga-Al-Dakhla road and the Al-Dakhla- Al-Farafra road have all been closed..

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority issued a warning on Sunday that Cairo and other governorates would be hit by sandstorms, thunder and rain on Monday.

The wave of unstable weather, which is expected to last until Thursday, will also include high temperatures than normal in most parts of the country.

The Luxor governorate’s crisis management situation on Monday afternoon declared the highest level of emergency in the province.

Egypt also witnessed unstable weather last week, with heavy rain in all parts of the country.

Several governorates, including parts of Cairo, saw flooding, leading to property damage and blocked roads.