Egypt's coastal city of Alexandria on December 31, 2015 (Photo: Hatem Maher)
Egypt’s Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast witnessed mild rains early Thursday, the last day of the year.
Meteorological experts expect a continuation in the drop of temperatures until 2 January.
Egypt's Meteorological Authority said that Thursday’s rains will be especially hard on the country’s north coasts and north and central Sinai.
Cairo is expected to see a high of 15 degrees Celsius and a low of 9 on Thursday, while Alexandria's temperatures will be a high of 15 and a low of 11. A high of 20 and a low of 14 is expected at the Red Sea Resort of Sharm El-Sheikh for the same day.
This cold and wet spell will peak on Friday, the first day of 2016, as temperatures are expected to drop, rain and wind speeds will intensify.
EMA called on the authorities of areas expected to be hit the hardest to take all necessary precautions to prevent weather-related accidents, particularly in the governorates of Alexandria, Matrouh, and North and South Sinai.
Since the beginning of October, rainstorms in the country have left at least 25 dead in various governorates.
Alexandria and Beheira governorates were the most affected, with rainfall leading to flooded streets, which brought the cities to a standstill.
The storms were compounded by ailing infrastructure and poor sewage systems.
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