Dust Storm Hits Egypt.. Official Warnings for Citizens to Stay Indoors

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority has issued an urgent warning regarding Egypt's exposure to a strong khamsin dust storm, part of an unstable weather wave expected to peak in the coming hours.

Strong Winds and Deteriorating Visibility

Media office member Manar Ghanem confirmed that wind speeds could range between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour, leading to a reduction in horizontal visibility to less than 500 meters in some areas.
Authorities have urged vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving, given the expectations of dust and sand spreading on highways and open roads.

Wide Areas Affected by the Storm

The warnings cover several vital areas, most notably Greater Cairo, the northern coasts, the Suez Canal cities, as well as northern Upper Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula.
Forecasts also indicated the possibility of maritime disturbances, especially in the Gulf of Suez, with chances of light and scattered rain on the northern coasts and northern Delta region.

Urgent Advice for Citizens

The Meteorological Authority recommended that citizens, especially those with respiratory allergies and sinus issues, stay indoors and only go out if absolutely necessary, emphasizing the need to wear masks when exposed to dust.
They also stressed the importance of staying away from trees, lighting poles, and billboards to avoid the risks posed by strong winds.

What are Khamsin Winds?

Khamsin winds are a seasonal climatic phenomenon in Egypt, characterized by dry and hot southeastern winds that carry large amounts of sand and dust. They typically become active during the spring, specifically from mid-February to May.
Their name is associated with a time period of approximately 50 days following the spring equinox, during which they blow intermittently.