Egypt Braces for Severe Weather: Met Authority Warns of Sharp Fluctuations, Rain, and Dust Storms from Wednesday

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has issued an urgent warning regarding a wave of severe and rapid weather fluctuations expected to hit the country starting Wednesday, March 18, and continuing until Sunday, March 22, 2026. This period of instability, announced by the General Department of Forecasts and Early Warning, necessitates the utmost caution and preparedness from citizens and motorists alike.

Details of the Expected Weather Instability

Official forecasts indicate that Egypt will experience volatile weather combining several atmospheric phenomena. Prominent among these is rainfall of varying intensity, which may occasionally be accompanied by thunder in some areas. These rains will be coupled with significant wind activity, with speeds expected to reach between 40 and 50 kilometers per hour across most regions.

These winds are anticipated to be sand- and dust-laden, especially in exposed and desert areas, which could lead to a noticeable reduction in horizontal visibility. This decrease poses a significant challenge for drivers, increasing the risks on highways and desert roads, thus requiring extreme caution, adherence to speed limits, and compliance with traffic regulations.

In addition to rain and wind, temperatures will exhibit considerable and noticeable fluctuations during this period. While relatively cold weather will prevail in the early morning hours across most regions, it will gradually become mild to hot during the day in most areas, remaining hot in South Upper Egypt. As night falls, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, leading to cold weather across all parts of the country. This sharp contrast necessitates wearing multiple layers of clothing to adapt to these sudden changes.

Warnings and Recommendations from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority

In light of these forecasts, the EMA has urged citizens to take all necessary precautionary measures. Key recommendations include:

• Continuous Updates: Due to the dynamic nature of weather maps, the authority advises continuous monitoring of official weather bulletins issued by the EMA.
• Appropriate Clothing: It is recommended to wear relatively warm clothing in the early morning and evening, and lighter clothing during daylight hours, to cope with sudden temperature shifts.
• Dust Precaution: Individuals suffering from allergies and sinusitis should exercise extreme caution and avoid direct exposure to dust and sand. It is advisable to stay indoors as much as possible during periods of active winds.
• Driving Safety: Motorists should exercise maximum caution while driving, especially on desert and highways, due to reduced horizontal visibility caused by dust and sand. Slow driving, switching on headlights and taillights, and using hazard lights are recommended.
• Securing Objects: It is advisable to secure any light objects or signs that could be affected by strong winds to prevent them from falling or being blown away.

Regional Temperature Forecasts (Wednesday, March 18 - Sunday, March 22, 2026)

Forecasts indicate a gradual decrease in maximum temperatures over the five-day period, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable with some fluctuations.

• Greater Cairo and Nile Delta: Maximum temperatures will start at 26 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, gradually decreasing to 21 degrees Celsius by Sunday. Minimum temperatures will range between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius during this period.
• Northern Coasts: These areas will experience a noticeable drop in maximum temperatures, recording 23 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and reaching 19 degrees Celsius by Sunday.
• South Upper Egypt: South Upper Egypt will remain the hottest region during daylight hours, with maximum temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. However, this is expected to recede to 26 degrees Celsius by Sunday, indicating a gradual cooling even in the warmest areas.

The Authority emphasizes the importance of taking these warnings seriously to ensure everyone's safety and prevent any accidents that may result from adverse weather conditions. This warning is part of the EMA's efforts to provide accurate and reliable information to citizens, helping them adapt to sudden climatic changes.