Thursday’s weather is turning up the heat — quite literally — as Egypt’s Meteorological Authority flags unstable conditions, maritime warnings, and foggy starts across the country.
The air’s already sticky. By noon, folks in Cairo were fanning themselves with files and scarves, bracing for highs around 34°C. But the real concern? The murky, visibility-killing fog that’s crept in during the early morning hours — and the roaring Gulf of Suez waters that have forced maritime operators on high alert.
Morning Fog Chokes Roads, Prompts Early Commute Warnings
For the fifth morning this week, thick fog blanketed key roadways from 4 AM to 8 AM. It wasn’t just a light haze — commuters described near-zero visibility on the outskirts of Greater Cairo, particularly along the Ring Road and entryways into the Delta region.
It wasn’t limited to Cairo, either. Reports from Ismailia, Port Said, and El-Arish echoed the same: headlights barely pierced the dense mist. The weather service had warned of it, but the scale still caught many drivers off guard.
In a brief statement, traffic authorities advised motorists to delay travel during peak fog hours where possible. Public buses in Alexandria were delayed by nearly 30 minutes in the early hours.
Heat Spikes Across South Egypt as Coastal Winds Stir the Seas
While northern parts of Egypt felt the warmth, the southern regions were practically boiling. Temperatures in South Sinai and Southern Upper Egypt crossed the 40°C mark. By mid-morning in Luxor, the heat shimmered off the pavement.
In contrast, the Nile Delta and Canal Cities like Suez and Ismailia hovered around 33°C to 35°C. But it was the wind that had seafarers more worried than the heat.
Wind speeds in the Gulf of Suez climbed to 60 km/h by late afternoon. Fishermen at the Suez port docked their vessels early, concerned about the increasingly aggressive waves.
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The Meteorological Authority confirmed wave heights in the Gulf of Suez were reaching between 2 to 3 meters — too dangerous for most small- to mid-sized boats.
Sea Conditions Force Partial Suspension of Small Craft Operations
Marine conditions, while less severe than winter storms, still sparked disruptions. According to the authority’s bulletin, the Mediterranean saw light to moderate wave activity, with swells ranging from 1 to 1.75 meters. Still manageable, but not ideal for casual navigation.
It’s the Red Sea that fared better by comparison. Waters between Hurghada and Marsa Alam stayed calm enough for tourist boats and divers — though they were advised to keep their excursions close to shore.
Here’s a quick summary of Thursday’s sea forecast:
| Region | Wind Speed (km/h) | Wave Height (meters) | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf of Suez | 50 – 60 | 2 – 3 | Disrupted |
| Mediterranean Sea | 30 – 40 | 1 – 1.75 | Light-Moderate |
| Red Sea | 30 – 40 | 1.5 – 2 | Moderate |
Even large shipping operations in the Suez Canal reportedly monitored wind conditions closely, though no closures were announced.
Capital’s Heatwave Spurs Low Fan Sales, High AC Bills
In Cairo, the story was less about maritime worries and more about surviving the swelter. With highs at 34°C and lows only dropping to 23°C at night, people found themselves relying heavily on air conditioning — and paying for it.
One local electronics dealer in Dokki said fan sales were oddly sluggish despite the weather. “Everyone wants an AC now,” he shrugged. “Fans just don’t cut it anymore — not in this kind of heat.”
The sudden spike in AC usage raised concerns about grid stress. Though there haven’t been major outages yet, local power authorities are reportedly keeping a close eye on usage trends as the hot spell continues.
Temperature Shift Prompts Outdoor Schedule Changes
With the sun beating down harder, businesses and institutions have begun tweaking their work schedules. In Assiut, some government offices closed early around 1 PM. Several schools in Sohag suspended outdoor activities altogether, citing safety.
Meanwhile, weather forecasts hint at some relief — but not just yet.
The Meteorological Authority predicts similar conditions heading into Friday, with temperatures expected to remain high and fog likely to return in early morning hours across north and central regions. The authority stopped short of issuing a red-alert level warning but reiterated the need for caution on highways and at sea.
And yet, despite all the heat, one thing remains typically Egyptian — life carries on.
