A file photo of airborne dust and sand in Cairo. Ahram.
Egypt is preparing for a period of significant atmospheric instability, with the national weather office warning of sandstorms, thundery rain, and severe maritime disruptions beginning on Friday.
According to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA), the day will be characterized by active winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h across most of the country. These gusts are expected to stir up sand and dust, potentially reducing horizontal visibility to less than 500 metres in some areas.
This unsettled weather coincides with a temporary rise in temperatures across most regions, creating a pressurized environment for commuters and residents alike. Rainfall is also forecast for northern territories, with light to moderate showers expected along the northwestern coasts and northern Lower Egypt.
The EMA warned that these could turn thundery in Salloum and Matrouh at intermittent intervals. Farther east, the northeastern coasts and southern Lower Egypt may see light rain, with a 20 percent chance of drizzle extending into Greater Cairo by Friday evening.
While dusty conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, the authority anticipates that intermittent wind activity will likely continue from Sunday through Wednesday. Authorities have urged extreme caution at sea, warning of significant disruptions to maritime navigation in the Mediterranean.
Winds of up to 60 km/h are expected to whip up waves reaching between 2.5 and 3.5 metres along the coasts of Salloum, Matrouh, El-Alamein, Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, Port Said, Arish, and Rafah. Similar disruptions are forecast for the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba, where wave heights could reach 4 metres.
Despite the wind, Friday will remain relatively warm, with maximum temperatures in Greater Cairo and Lower Egypt forecast between 26C and 28C. The northern coasts will see highs of 23C to 24C, while Upper Egypt will experience the country's peak heat, ranging between 26C and 34C.
Over the coming five days, the heat in Greater Cairo will fluctuate between 23C and 28C, while the northern coasts remain cooler at 20C to 25C. The authority has urged citizens to take precautionary measures, specifically advising against standing under trees or parking beneath old buildings and billboards during strong winds.
Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution due to the expected drop in visibility, particularly in the far west, where thunderstorms remain a distinct possibility. The EMA noted it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve.
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