Heat Wave Grips Egypt, Temperatures to Dip Slightly

Coastal Winds Disrupt Maritime Navigation

Egypt braces for continued hot and humid conditions as the Meteorological Authority forecasts a gradual cooling trend starting Thursday, July 31st. However, extreme heat is expected in southern regions.

Coastal Gales Expected

Maritime navigation is anticipated to be disrupted along the coasts of Matrouh, Al-Alam, and Alexandria, with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h and wave heights between 2 to 3.5 meters. Similar conditions are projected for the Gulf of Suez, with winds between 40 and 55 km/h and waves from 2 to 3 meters high.

Morning Fog Advisory

Residents in northern areas extending to Greater Cairo can expect fog from 4 AM to 8 AM. The fog may become dense on routes leading to and from canal cities and central Sinai.

Regional Temperature Outlook

The Meteorological Authority has released projected high and low temperatures for key cities:

• Cairo: High 34°C, Low 25°C
• Alexandria: High 31°C, Low 24°C
• Matrouh: High 30°C, Low 23°C
• Sohag: High 40°C, Low 26°C
• Qena: High 43°C, Low 27°C
• Aswan: High 44°C, Low 30°C

These temperatures reflect a significant departure from typical averages; for instance, Aswan’s projected high of 44°C is well above the historical July average of around 41°C, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s climate data. This surge in heat is a common feature of late summer weather patterns in the region.

Weather Details for Thursday

Dr. Mahmoud Shaheen, Director General of Predictions and Early Warning at the Meteorological Authority, stated that Thursday will bring wet heat during the day, with extremely hot and wet conditions forecast for South Sinai and the southern parts of the country. Nights and early mornings are expected to be humid and warm.

Egypt Braces for Shifting Weather Patterns

Temperatures Set to Dip in Northern Regions Amidst Humidity

Egypt’s Meteorological Authority is forecasting a gradual decrease in temperatures across the northern areas, including Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, starting today. Residents can also expect the appearance of low and medium clouds in these regions.

Humidity and Heat Expected Nationwide

The Director General of Predictions and Early Warning at the Meteorological Authority, Dr. Mahmoud Shaheen, indicated that a hot and humid climate will dominate most of the country. Southern Sinai and the southern parts of Egypt are bracing for very hot, humid conditions, with humidity persisting into the evenings and early mornings.

Potential for Fog and Wind Activity

Visibility may be reduced between 4 AM and 8 AM due to potential fog, particularly in areas stretching from the northern territories to Greater Cairo. This fog could become dense on routes leading to and from canal cities and central Sinai. Wind activity is anticipated along some beaches, including Matrouh, Al-Alamein, and Alexandria, potentially causing wave heights to reach between 1.5 and 2.25 meters.

Regional Temperature Forecasts

Temperatures across key Egyptian cities are as follows:

• Cairo: Low 26°C, High 35°C
• New Administrative Capital: Low 25°C, High 36°C
• 6th of October City: Low 25°C, High 36°C
• Banha: Low 26°C, High 35°C
• Damanhour: Low 26°C, High 35°C
• El Natrun Valley: Low 25°C, High 35°C
• Kafr El Sheikh: Low 24°C, High 34°C
• Mansoura: Low 25°C, High 35°C
• Zagazig: Low 25°C, High 35°C
• Shebin El Kom: Low 24°C, High 34°C
• Tanta: Low 23°C, High 33°C
• Damietta: Low 25°C, High 32°C
• Port Said: Low 25°C, High 31°C
• Ismailia: Low 24°C, High 36°C
• Suez: Low 25°C, High 35°C
• Al Arish: Low 24°C, High 33°C
• Rafah: Low 23°C, High 32°C
• Ras Sidr: Low 24°C, High 36°C
• Dahab: Low 24°C, High 36°C
• Saint Catherine: Low 18°C, High 32°C
• Nuweiba: Low 25°C, High 37°C
• Taba: Low 22°C, High 36°C
• Sharm El Sheikh: Low 29°C, High 40°C
• Alexandria: Low 24°C, High 31°C
• El Alamein: Low 23°C, High 30°C
• Marsa Matrouh: Low 23°C, High 30°C
• Salloum: Low 22°C, High 32°C
• Siwa: Low 23°C, High 36°C
• Hurghada: Low 28°C, High 39°C
• Marsa Alam: Low 29°C, High 37°C
• Shalateen: Low 28°C, High 38°C
• Halayeb: Low 30°C, High 35°C
• Abu Ramad: Low 28°C, High 36°C
• Ras Hadarba: Low 29°C, High 35°C
• Fayoum: Low 25°C, High 36°C
• Beni Suef: Low 25°C, High 37°C
• Minya: Low 24°C, High 38°C
• Assiut: Low 25°C, High 38°C
• Sohag: Low 26°C, High 41°C
• Qena: Low 27°C, High 43°C
• Luxor: Low 28°C, High 44°C
• Aswan: Low 30°C, High 45°C
• New Valley: Low 28°C, High 44°C
• Abu Simbel: Low 29°C, High 44°C

This weather trend comes as parts of the Middle East prepare for increased humidity levels, a common occurrence during this period. For instance, similar humid conditions are often reported in coastal areas of the Arabian Peninsula, impacting daily life and outdoor activities (BBC Weather).

Northern Regions Face Gradual Cooling

The predicted temperature decrease in the north is expected to offer some relief from the prevailing heat. However, the combination of heat and humidity nationwide will continue to be a significant factor for residents.

Nation Braces for Intense Heatwave

Temperatures Set to Soar Across Most Regions

A significant heatwave is expected to grip much of the nation starting today, Wednesday, July 23rd, bringing scorching daytime temperatures. The General Authority of Meteorology warns of oppressive conditions, particularly on the northern coast.

Humidity Amplifies Heat Discomfort

Dr. **Mahmoud Shaheen**, Director General of Predictions and Early Warning at the Meteorological Authority, highlighted that elevated humidity levels will exacerbate the perceived heat. He anticipates that the actual feeling of the temperature could be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius higher than the recorded figures.

Navigating the Early Morning Fog

Residents in areas north of Greater Cairo and Upper Egypt should prepare for potential dense fog from 4 am to 8 am. This phenomenon could affect visibility on roads leading to and from the northern coasts, western Cairo, canal cities, and central Sinai.

Today’s Projected Highs and Lows

Cairo

Maximum: 39°C
Minimum: 27°C

Alexandria

Maximum: 34°C
Minimum: 25°C

Matrouh

Maximum: 32°C
Minimum: 23°C

Sohag

Maximum: 41°C
Minimum: 26°C

Qena

Maximum: 42°C
Minimum: 28°C

Aswan

Maximum: 42°C
Minimum: 28°C

The extreme heat is a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change. Globally, July 2023 was the hottest month on record since modern record-keeping began, according to NOAA data (NOAA, 2023).