The scheduled power cuts will be implemented in a coordinated effort between the electricity and petroleum ministries, read a Cabinet statement.

Click here for the schedule of power cuts by neighbourhoods and governorates

In July, amid a gruelling heatwave, the government started easing loads in some areas after increased electricity consumption strained the country's natural gas network which supplies power plants.

The nationwide approach was announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during the weekly Cabinet meeting last Wednesday.

However, Cabinet Spokesman Nader Saad said on Sunday the reduction could be extended through August and even into mid-September in a worst-case scenario if the heat wave does not relent.

Last week, the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy stated that national electricity consumption had reached record levels.

“For the first time, electricity loads have reached the maximum consumption level recorded in previous years, reaching 34,650 megawatts, while efforts to stabilize the power supply continue,” the ministry said in a statement.

However, the ministry stated that consumption did not exceed capacity, as the available electrical capacity was 44,900 megawatts, with a reserve capacity of 9,800 megawatts.

On Thursday, the Cabinet directed that public sector employees who do not provide direct services to the public would work from home each Sunday in August to ease the load on the national electrical grid.

In July, temperatures in Egypt soared to 40 degrees Celsius across most of the country, reaching a sizzling 45 in the deep south.

Meanwhile, record temperatures around the globe have ignited forest and other wildfires across more than one continent, forcing governments to evacuate thousands of citizens.