Mild Daytime Temperatures Hold Across Egypt as Cold Nights Persist

Egypt experienced moderately warm conditions during daylight hours on Friday, with temperatures staying comfortable across most regions while colder air lingered after sunset. Weather officials warned of reduced visibility in several areas due to mist and early-morning fog, particularly along major roads linking northern governorates to Cairo.

Despite the calm daytime outlook, the contrast between mild afternoons and sharply colder nights remained a defining feature of the day’s weather.

Daytime calm masks early-morning hazards

According to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, Friday began with widespread mist that thickened into fog in some locations. The phenomenon affected agricultural roads and highways stretching from the northern coast through the Delta and into Greater Cairo, North Upper Egypt, and parts of Central Sinai.

Visibility dropped sharply in isolated pockets, especially before sunrise.

Drivers were urged to remain cautious during early travel hours, as fog conditions shifted quickly from area to area. In some spots, visibility improved within minutes. In others, it lingered well into the morning commute.

As the fog lifted, temperatures climbed steadily. By midday, much of the country settled into what forecasters described as seasonally mild winter weather.

Winds appeared only occasionally, and when they did, they remained light enough to avoid stirring dust or disrupting daily activity.

Light rain chances stay confined to the north

While much of Egypt stayed dry, weather models pointed to a slim chance of light rainfall along the North Coast and parts of North Upper Egypt.

These showers, if they appeared, were expected to be brief and scattered. No significant accumulation was forecast, and authorities said there was little risk of disruption to transport or agriculture.

For coastal cities, the cloud cover offered brief relief from direct sunlight, though temperatures still hovered within typical late-December ranges.

Inland areas, including Cairo, experienced clearer skies by afternoon, with stable conditions dominating most of the day.

Basically, it was one of those winter days that feels easy to live with, as long as you’re dressed right for the morning chill.

Sea conditions show a mixed picture

Marine conditions reflected the seasonal contrast as well.

In the Mediterranean Sea, waves remained low to moderate, ranging between 1 and 1.5 metres. Northwest surface winds kept conditions manageable for shipping and fishing activities, with no major disruptions reported.

The Red Sea told a different story.

Waves there ranged from moderate to turbulent, measuring between 1.5 and 2.5 metres in height. Northwest winds contributed to choppier conditions, particularly in open waters.

Maritime authorities advised smaller vessels to remain cautious, especially during peak wind periods. Ferry services and commercial shipping, however, continued to operate normally.

The split between the two seas is typical for this time of year, as winter systems influence the Red Sea more strongly.

Nightfall brings a sharp temperature drop

Once the sun dipped, the mood shifted fast.

Extremely cold conditions were expected to dominate nighttime and early-morning hours across much of the country. Inland areas and desert regions felt the drop most sharply, with temperatures sliding well below daytime highs.

Residents were advised to take precautions, particularly in areas where heating options are limited. Farmers were also urged to protect sensitive crops from overnight cold stress.

The contrast was especially noticeable in Upper Egypt, where afternoons remained warm enough for light clothing, while nights demanded heavier layers.

It’s a familiar winter rhythm in Egypt. Mild days, biting nights, and a lot of wardrobe guessing in between.

City-by-city temperatures paint a varied picture

Forecast highs released by the meteorological authority showed modest variation across the country, reflecting Egypt’s diverse geography.

Here’s how key cities lined up:

Cairo and Alexandria shared similar daytime readings, though Alexandria’s coastal breeze made conditions feel cooler at times.

Further south, cities like Qena and Aswan leaned warmer, brushing against the mid-20s, even as nights turned cold soon after sunset.

Marsa Matruh remained the coolest among the listed cities, influenced by Mediterranean air.

Fog emerges as the main concern

While temperatures stayed within manageable limits, fog stood out as the primary weather-related issue of the day.

The EMA noted that fog formation is common during this period, driven by clear skies, calm winds, and moisture near the ground. Agricultural zones and low-lying roads are particularly vulnerable.

The authority advised motorists to:

• Reduce speed during early-morning travel

• Use low-beam headlights rather than high beams

• Allow extra distance between vehicles

These reminders may sound routine, but officials stress they save lives every winter.

In recent years, dense fog episodes have been linked to multi-vehicle accidents on highways connecting Delta governorates with Cairo.

Seasonal pattern holds steady

Friday’s conditions fit neatly into Egypt’s broader winter pattern. December typically brings moderate daytime warmth, chilly nights, and intermittent fog events, especially in the north.

Climate data show that average December highs in Cairo usually range between 19°C and 22°C, placing Friday’s forecast right on track. Coastal regions trend slightly cooler, while Upper Egypt often runs warmer during the day.

The persistence of cold nights, however, continues to catch some residents off guard, especially during periods of clear skies and low wind.

Weather officials say this pattern is expected to continue in the coming days, with no major systems on the horizon.