Egypt Faces Scorching Temperatures as Heatwave Peaks

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has issued a dire warning about an intense heatwave expected to peak this week, with temperatures set to soar across the country. This extreme weather event, driven by a high-pressure system and hot air masses from desert regions, will affect various parts of Egypt, bringing significant heat risks.

Starting from Friday, 31 May, the heatwave will see temperatures rise significantly over the coming days. Greater Cairo and the Nile Delta are expected to experience temperatures climbing from 37°C on Monday to a blistering 40°C by the weekend. Meanwhile, South Sinai and Upper Egypt will face even more extreme conditions, with temperatures exceeding 42°C and some areas reaching as high as 44-45°C.

The heatwave warning in Egypt has broader implications for public health and safety, as extreme temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and even deaths. If citizens are not adequately prepared, the consequences could be severe, particularly for vulnerable populations, including elderly people and young children.

The North Coast will experience slightly cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 31-34°C. However, the EMA has cautioned that the heatwave will bring very hot weather during the day to Cairo, Lower Egypt, South Sinai, and the southern parts of the country. The northern coasts will see hot conditions, while South Sinai and southern Upper Egypt will endure hotter temperatures even at night and early in the morning.

To help citizens cope with the extreme heat, the EMA has issued several safety precautions. They advise people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours and to stay well-hydrated throughout the day if they need to be outdoors. Additionally, they warn against leaving flammable materials inside vehicles, since the intense heat could pose a fire risk.

The EMA's warning aims to ensure public safety and awareness during this intense heatwave peak. They urge everyone to "drink plenty of fluids" and "follow up on the updates of weather forecast during this heat wave." The heatwave is expected to last until Thursday, with temperatures reaching their highest levels and exceeding 40°C in many regions.

In Greater Cairo and the Nile Delta, temperatures will range from highs of 37-40°C and lows of 24-26°C from Monday to next Friday. South Sinai will see highs of 40-42°C and lows of 29-30°C. The North Coast will experience highs of 31-34°C and lows of 21-23°C. Northern Upper Egypt, including Fayoum, Beni Suef, and Minya, will have highs of 40-42°C in the morning and lows of 25-27°C at night. Southern Upper Egypt, encompassing Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea governorates, will face highs of 44-45°C and lows of 29-30°C.

This heatwave highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared for extreme weather conditions. As temperatures continue to rise, citizens are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of the heat.

Key Takeaways

• Egypt to experience intense heatwave, peaking this week.
• Temperatures to reach 40-45°C in some areas, 37-40°C in Cairo.
• Heatwave poses health risks, especially for elderly and young children.
• Stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and take precautions to prevent fires.
• Heatwave expected to last until Thursday, with temperatures remaining high.