The Egyptian General Authority for Meteorology warned on Friday, May 15, 2026, of a significant and temporary temperature increase across much of the country. Officials expect heat to peak on Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, with Cairo reaching 40°C in the shade as a heatwave moves through the region.
Imminent Heatwave Forecast for Sunday and Monday
The Egyptian General Authority for Meteorology has issued a formal warning regarding a noticeable rise in temperatures expected to impact most parts of the country early next week. According to the authority, this heat spike is projected to be temporary, occurring primarily on Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, 2026.
The meteorological data indicates that the most intense heat will be felt in the southern regions, while the Greater Cairo area will also experience significant warming. This sudden shift follows a period of more moderate spring weather, marking a brief but sharp departure from current seasonal norms.
Geographic Temperature Distribution
The authority provided specific temperature ranges to illustrate the breadth of the upcoming weather shift.
- Greater Cairo: Temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 38°C and 40°C.
- North Coast: The coastal areas will see slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 36°C.
- Southern Egypt: The most extreme conditions will be found in the south, where temperatures are forecast to reach between 41°C and 44°C.
These figures suggest that residents in southern Upper Egypt will face the most strenuous conditions during the Sunday and Monday peak. The distinction between the northern coastal climates and the southern interior highlights the wide temperature gradient expected across the nation during this period.
Atmospheric Conditions and Travel Hazards for Saturday
Looking ahead to Saturday, May 16, 2026, the authority expects a transitional period. The day is forecast to begin with moderate spring temperatures in the early morning hours across most regions. However, conditions will shift as the day progresses, becoming warm to hot in the north, including Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt. The southern parts of Upper Egypt are expected to experience very hot weather even before the peak of the heatwave on Sunday.
Water fog is expected to develop between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This phenomenon will likely affect several key transit routes, specifically those leading to and from northern Egypt, Greater Cairo, Canal cities, central Sinai, and northern Upper Egypt. Drivers in these areas should prepare for reduced visibility during the early morning commute.
Wind activity is also forecasted for parts of the country. Wind speeds are expected to range between 30 and 35 km/h in southern Sinai, southern Egypt, and the Red Sea Governorate. The authority noted that these winds may intermittently stir up sand and dust in certain areas, which could further impact visibility and respiratory comfort.
As the country moves into the weekend, the focus remains on the transition from Saturday’s moderate morning to the intense heat forecasted for the beginning of next week. Monitoring the official updates from the General Authority for Meteorology will be essential for those planning travel or outdoor activities in the southern and metropolitan regions.
