Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is currently enduring the peak of an intense and widespread heatwave, with meteorologists warning that the extreme temperatures will continue to grip the country through Thursday and Friday, particularly in Upper Egypt, where temperatures are approaching an unprecedented 50 degrees Celsius.
According to Dr. Manar Ghanem, a spokesperson for Egypt’s Meteorological Department, the heatwave has reached its most severe point today and will persist into tomorrow across several regions, including Greater Cairo and the northern governorates. Southern governorates, particularly in Upper Egypt, such as Luxor and Aswan, are experiencing the most extreme conditions.
“Temperatures in southern Egypt today will reach 48°C and are expected to rise further to 49°C tomorrow,” said Dr. Ghanem in a phone interview with anchor Nehad Samir on the “Sabah El Balad” morning show on Sada El-Balad TV. “These are dangerously high levels, especially during peak afternoon hours.”
In Cairo and the Nile Delta region, maximum daytime temperatures are currently ranging between 41 and 42°C in shaded areas. However, with high humidity levels, the “feels like” temperatures may climb to 44–45°C. The elevated humidity is adding significantly to the discomfort, increasing the perceived temperature by two to four degrees.
Dr. Ghanem warned that the heat will persist into the night, with evening and overnight temperatures remaining unseasonably high and humidity remaining elevated. “Even at night, the weather will be hot and humid, and minimum temperatures are climbing,” she added.
In addition to the extreme heat, some regions are also bracing for localized rainfall. There is a chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, possibly leading to flash floods, in parts of central and southern Sinai. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected along the Red Sea mountains and parts of Upper Egypt. In a surprising twist, there is even a slight chance of light rain in scattered areas of Greater Cairo.
Despite the brutal conditions, there is relief on the horizon. The heatwave is expected to begin breaking gradually starting Saturday, with noticeable drops in temperature, particularly in northern parts of the country. “Cairo is expected to see highs of around 36°C by the weekend,” Dr. Ghanem confirmed, adding that the decline in temperature will begin in the north and expand southward in the following days.
The coming week is anticipated to be significantly cooler compared to the current one, offering a much-needed respite to millions affected by the oppressive heat. Health authorities continue to urge residents to avoid direct sun exposure, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity during peak daylight hours.
