Sweltering Heat Grips Egypt, Humidity Pushes Temperatures Higher Across Cities

Cairo sizzles at 35°C as heat index rises 2–4 degrees; light rain hits South Sinai

Egypt woke up to another scorcher on Monday as the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) confirmed hot and humid weather across most of the country — and it’s not cooling down anytime soon. Cairo touched a steamy 35°C, but with humidity factored in, it felt even hotter.

That sticky heat wasn’t just in the capital. From Alexandria to Aswan, the mercury climbed and the sweat poured, making daily routines — already strained by summer fatigue — even harder to manage.

Humidity takes center stage in Egypt’s weather drama

It wasn’t just the heat that made Monday uncomfortable — it was the thick, muggy air wrapping around cities and towns like a wet blanket. EMA officials warned that high humidity levels would elevate the heat index — what temperatures feel like — by 2 to 4 degrees in most regions.

So while the thermometer read 35°C in Cairo, residents felt something closer to 38°C or 39°C. In South Sinai and Upper Egypt, where actual highs flirted with the 40°C mark, the real feel was far more intense.

A taxi driver in Giza put it bluntly: “It’s not just hot. It’s like breathing soup.”

The phenomenon, while common in Egyptian summers, can still catch people off guard. The body sweats more but evaporates less in high humidity, reducing the cooling effect and leading to higher risk of heat exhaustion.

Short sentence here: Air conditioners barely kept up.

Mist and wind bring minor relief, but hazards remain

Early risers along highways and farmlands in northern Egypt faced an additional hurdle: mist.

The EMA noted mist formation in the morning hours from the north coast all the way down to Cairo. Visibility dropped across agricultural zones and intercity roads, causing concerns for commuters and long-haul drivers alike.

Light wind breezes helped at times — but not enough. According to the forecast:

• Winds occurred intermittently throughout the day.

• Northwest winds dominated both the Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines.

• While they stirred the air slightly, they did little to break the heat wave.

One-sentence paragraph: Relief was faint and fleeting.

Rain sneaks into the south, barely

Here’s where it got a bit weird — and mildly hopeful. While the northern half of the country baked, intermittent light rain was reported in South Sinai and parts of the Red Sea governorate.

It wasn’t enough to cool the region, but the drops brought temporary respite, especially in mountainous and desert fringes where dust tends to hang in the air.

A local official in Sharm El Sheikh said some roads were lightly damp in the early afternoon. “You could smell the rain before you saw it,” he joked. “Then it was gone.”

Still, for a country where rain is rare in August, even a drizzle becomes newsworthy.

Coastal conditions: swimmers, take note

Summer in Egypt also means beach season — and thousands headed north and east for a break. But wave conditions weren’t exactly picture perfect.

Mediterranean Sea:

• Moderate wave activity.

• Heights ranged between 1.5 and 2 meters.

• Surface winds came from the northwest.

Red Sea:

• Wave activity was lower, between 1 and 2 meters.

• Northwest surface winds persisted, though calmer.

Table: Monday’s Sea Conditions (Aug 4, 2025)

Local beachgoers were advised to avoid deeper waters during mid-afternoon hours when wind speeds briefly picked up.

And yet, by sunset, dozens of families lined Alexandria’s Corniche — sweat and all — clinging to summer’s last breath.

What’s next? More of the same

The EMA has not issued a formal heatwave warning, but meteorologists suggested the current conditions may extend into mid-week.

In other words: drink water, stay inside, and good luck finding shade.

A senior meteorologist in Cairo told a local news outlet, “We’re not breaking records, but we’re entering a stretch where it’s going to feel relentless.”

Forecast models show:

• Continued high humidity across Cairo, Delta, and Upper Egypt.

• Slightly cooler nights in coastal areas, but not by much.

• Persistent mist during morning hours over agricultural routes.

Bullet point weather checklist for the week:

• ☀️ Daytime highs: 34–39°C in most cities.

• 💦 Humidity impact: Feels 2–4°C hotter than actual temperature.

• 🌫️ Morning mist: North to Cairo, possibly reducing visibility.

• 🌧️ Light rain chance: Limited to South Sinai and Red Sea zones.

• 🌬️ Winds: Intermittent, mostly northwest across coasts.

This weather might not shock seasoned Egyptians, but for tourists, the heat and haze can be overwhelming. Several embassies issued reminders for hydration, sun protection, and cautious travel.

And yet, life goes on in the heat

Despite the blistering air, Cairo bustled. Street vendors hawked corn and mango juice. Public buses ran — windows open, fans whirring. And cafes remained packed late into the night.

An old man selling tea under an umbrella near Tahrir Square shrugged: “It’s August. What did we expect?”