As Egypt faces the heatwave of the year, residents are being urged to stay cautious as temperatures continue to climb. The Meteorological Authority has issued warnings for extremely high temperatures, with Cairo expected to reach 40°C and parts of southern Egypt surpassing 42°C by Tuesday. On Monday, the temperature spike is already noticeable, accompanied by a weather system that brings with it a significant change in conditions.
Hot Days Ahead: What to Expect from the Weather
The looming heatwave is becoming more intense as Egypt moves into the new week. The hot weather expected on Monday will gradually intensify, with daytime temperatures soaring and the evening cooling off somewhat.
The majority of Egypt will experience hot conditions throughout the day, and it will remain relatively cooler during the nighttime and early morning. But the real shock comes when the thermometer peaks on Tuesday. The southern regions will face scorching highs, exceeding 42°C, while Cairo’s 40°C could make for a stifling day.
Experts from the Meteorological Authority have advised the public to take precautions to minimize the effects of the heat. The risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn is a real concern. Authorities have specifically warned against direct exposure to sunlight during the peak heat hours of 1 PM to 4 PM.
Morning Mist and Low Visibility: What’s Causing It?
In addition to high temperatures, another factor is complicating Egypt’s weather: the morning mist. Between 4 AM and 8 AM, the mist will form, particularly in agricultural regions, highways, and areas around the Delta, Greater Cairo, North Sinai, and Lower Egypt.
The mist, caused by the merging of warm air and high humidity levels, will significantly reduce horizontal visibility, making driving and traveling dangerous during these early hours. Drivers have been warned to take extra care on the roads, especially in the fog-prone areas. Visibility will be at its worst during the first few hours of the morning, particularly near water bodies, adding to the risks for commuters.
What Should You Do? Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat
As Egypt prepares for this week’s heat, the public is urged to adopt a few simple measures to protect themselves from the heatwave.
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Avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day, between 1 PM and 4 PM.
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Drink plenty of cold water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
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Wear light, cotton clothing to help the body stay cool.
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Stay in well-ventilated spaces whenever possible, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
Along with these precautions, the public is also being advised to be cautious of potential health risks, such as heatstroke, which can occur suddenly if one doesn’t manage their exposure to the sun.
Windy Conditions Add to the Mix
The weather is not just about heat and mist—winds are also expected to pick up. Moderate to occasionally active winds of 20-35 km/h will sweep through parts of Egypt, particularly in the western areas of Matrouh and Siwa. These winds are expected to carry dust, further exacerbating the uncomfortable conditions. Dust-laden winds will make air quality in the open areas even worse, leading to poor visibility in already challenging conditions.
Meanwhile, coastal regions may experience some relief as northwesterly winds roll in. These winds will bring some coolness to the areas near the Mediterranean Sea, making the coastal cities a slightly more bearable escape from the heat compared to inland locations.
The winds, while offering relief along the coast, will contribute to a volatile mix of weather that will leave no part of Egypt untouched by the heatwave’s grip. Those living near open spaces or agricultural lands should take the utmost care as dust storms could further impact visibility.
Egypt’s Climate Change Challenge: What’s Next?
The extreme weather conditions plaguing Egypt are not unique. Across the globe, temperatures are climbing as a result of climate change, and countries like Egypt, which are already familiar with high temperatures, are starting to feel the increased strain.
This heatwave is just another reminder of the growing intensity of the world’s weather. While Egypt’s Meteorological Authority is doing its best to keep citizens informed, the increasing severity of such weather phenomena is something that experts say needs to be addressed long-term. Egypt, like many other countries, may have to adapt its infrastructure and policies to cope with these extremes.
For now, though, it’s essential for everyone in Egypt to stay informed and act on the weather warnings issued by authorities. The weather may have a dramatic impact on daily life, but with the right precautions, people can still safely get through the hottest days of the year.
