Summer called ahead: Egypt faces temperatures of up to 44°C

Ahram Online , Wednesday 3 Jun 2026

Egyptians may want to keep a water bottle within arm’s reach over the next few days, as temperatures are set to climb sharply across much of the country, with parts of Upper Egypt expected to exceed 40 degrees and Greater Cairo edging uncomfortably close.

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Holidaymakers play at El-Sokhna beach in Suez, Egypt. AP

 

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has warned of a sustained hot spell from Thursday through Monday, with relatively mild mornings quickly giving way to intense daytime heat before temperatures ease again after sunset.

Humidity is expected to add to the discomfort, making conditions feel one to two degrees hotter than the temperatures recorded in the shade.

The forecast also includes early morning fog on some roads in northern Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Canal cities, central Sinai and northern Upper Egypt, potentially affecting visibility during the morning commute.

Parts of the Western Desert could see light rain on Thursday, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms; a brief interruption to what is otherwise shaping up to be a decidedly summer-like stretch of weather, despite summer itself not officially beginning until 21 June.

Active winds are expected across much of the country throughout the period.

In Greater Cairo and the Nile Delta, daytime highs are forecast to hover around 38 degrees, with overnight temperatures settling near 23 degrees. Along the North Coast, conditions will remain comparatively milder, with highs of around 32 degrees and lows of 19 degrees.

Further south, northern Upper Egypt is expected to reach 41 degrees during the day and 26 degrees at night, while southern Upper Egypt will bear the brunt of the heat, with temperatures approaching 44 degrees and remaining close to 29 degrees after dark.

The EMA has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun where possible, wear head coverings outdoors and seek well-ventilated spaces to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

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