Severe Weather Alert: Forecast & Impacts

Egypt Braces for Cold Snap and Dense Fog as ‘Shaboura’ Weather Phenomenon Takes Hold

A dense layer of water mist and significantly colder temperatures are sweeping across Egypt, impacting roadways and raising concerns for agricultural regions. The General Authority of Meteorology has warned citizens to exercise extreme caution, particularly on highways, near bodies of water, and in agricultural areas, as visibility is severely reduced due to the ongoing water mist.

The meteorological agency has identified Shaboura – a localized weather phenomenon characterized by dense, shallow fog – as the primary driver of the current conditions. According to officials, Shaboura typically appears during the late night and early morning hours and is expected to persist in the coming days. Today’s forecast indicates a stark contrast in temperatures, with very cold mornings giving way to warmer daytime conditions, followed by another plunge in temperature overnight. There is a risk of frost forming on crops in northern Upper Egypt, central Sinai, and the Western Desert.

Regional Temperature Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the expected temperature ranges across Egypt’s governorates:

Greater Cairo

• Cairo: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 21°C
• Administrative Capital: Minimum 9°C, Maximum 20°C
• October 6: Minimum 9°C, Maximum 20°C
• Benha: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 21°C

Lower Egypt and the Delta

• Damanhour: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 21°C
• Wadi Natroun: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 20°C
• Kafr El-Sheikh: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 19°C
• Mansoura: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 21°C
• Zagazig: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 21°C
• Shibin Al-Koum: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 20°C
• Tanta: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 19°C

Northern Coastal Cities

• Damietta: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 18°C
• Port Said: Minimum 12°C, Maximum 18°C
• Alexandria: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 21°C
• El Alamein: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 20°C
• Matrouh: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 22°C
• Salloum: Minimum 9°C, Maximum 23°C
• Siwa: Minimum 6°C, Maximum 20°C

Canal Cities and North Sinai

• Ismailia: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 22°C
• Suez: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 22°C
• Arish: Minimum 9°C, Maximum 21°C
• Rafah: Minimum 10°C, Maximum 20°C

South Sinai

• Ras Sidr: Minimum 8°C, Maximum 23°C
• Nakhl: Minimum 6°C, Maximum 20°C
• St. Catherine: Minimum 4°C, Maximum 18°C
• Taba: Minimum 8°C, Maximum 23°C
• Sharm El Sheikh: Minimum 17°C, Maximum 26°C

Red Sea Cities

• Hurghada: Minimum 14°C, Maximum 24°C
• Marsa Alam: Minimum 15°C, Maximum 26°C
• Shalatin: Minimum 17°C, Maximum 27°C
• Halayeb: Minimum 18°C, Maximum 25°C
• Abu Ramad: Minimum 14°C, Maximum 26°C
• Ras Hadaraba: Minimum 16°C, Maximum 25°C

North Upper Egypt

• Fayoum: Minimum 6°C, Maximum 20°C
• Beni Suef: Minimum 6°C, Maximum 20°C
• Minya: Minimum 5°C, Maximum 21°C

South Upper Egypt

• Assiut: Minimum 5°C, Maximum 21°C
• Sohag: Minimum 7°C, Maximum 23°C
• Qena: Minimum 9°C, Maximum 25°C
• Luxor: Minimum 8°C, Maximum 26°C
• Aswan: Minimum 11°C, Maximum 26°C
• New Valley: Minimum 4°C, Maximum 24°C
• Abu Simbel: Minimum 13°C, Maximum 25°C

The General Authority of Meteorology urges residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during this period of inclement weather, particularly those traveling or working outdoors. The combination of cold temperatures and reduced visibility poses a significant risk, and authorities are advising drivers to reduce speed and exercise caution on all roadways.