Winter’s First Week Brings Rain, Frost and Fog Across Cairo and Northern Egypt

Breaking: Winter Weather Fluctuations Hit Egypt as Rain Forecast Targets Northern coasts

A forecast from the Meteorological Authority’s media center indicates notable weather fluctuations as winter begins adn the early phase of the Tuba period unfolds. Officials say that monday and Tuesday will bring a deepening depression in upper atmospheric layers, leading to rainfall of varying intensity along the northern Mediterranean coasts and northern Lower Egypt.

Daytime temperatures are expected to stay cool, with Greater Cairo peaking around 19-20°C. the same system is set to push daytime readings down to about 18°C on Monday and Tuesday, while nighttime temperatures may plummet to the point of frost in central Sinai and the New Valley. In Cairo, overnight lows are projected to range between 10 and 12°C.

Residents should anticipate dense morning fog on agricultural and highway roads near bodies of water. Winds may stir sand and dust in exposed desert areas, the center warned. peopel are urged to dress warmly at night and closely monitor forecasts for rain amounts, particularly along the northwestern coasts and northern Lower Egypt.

The authority stressed the importance of following forecasts carefully throughout the week, as periods of calm can be short-lived and rain and wind conditions can shift quickly.

key Facts at a Glance

Region	Expected Conditions	Timeframe	Approximate Temps
Northern coasts & Northern Lower Egypt	Rains of varying intensity possible	monday–Tuesday	Day 18-19°C; Night around 10-12°C
Greater cairo	Cool conditions	Throughout the period	Day 19-20°C; Night around 10-12°C
Central Sinai & new Valley	Colder with potential night frost	Monday–Tuesday nights	Night frost possible

Evergreen context: Winter weather in this region remains highly variable. Regularly check official forecasts, as rain amounts and wind patterns can change quickly, impacting travel and outdoor plans. It’s wise to layer clothing, ensure vehicles are prepared for cold spells, and monitor road conditions for fog and sand or dust, especially along desert routes.

Reader engagement: How will you prepare for the coming cold spell and potential rain? Which areas will you monitor most closely in the days ahead?

Share your experiences and stay tuned for the latest updates as this developing weather situation unfolds.

2–4 hours.

.### Weather Overview: Rain, Frost & Fog in Early January 2026

• Rainfall: 12 mm recorded across central Cairo on Jan 5, with intermittent showers lasting 2–4 hours.
• Frost: Overnight lows hit 3 °C in Giza and 2 °C in the Nile Delta on Jan 6–7, the first sub‑5 °C readings since 2018.
• Fog: Persistent radiation fog reduced visibility to <200 m in Alexandria and Port Said between Jan 4‑8, prompting temporary road closures.

Key Meteorological Drivers

1. Cold Air Mass Invasion – A polar front descended from the Mediterranean,pushing temperatures 6–8 °C below average.
2. Enhanced Moisture Transport – The Red Sea trough supplied additional humidity, intensifying rainfall over the Nile Valley.
3. Radiation Cooling – Clear skies and low wind speeds after sunset facilitated rapid heat loss, creating ideal conditions for frost and fog formation.

Impact on Urban Life

Traffic & Transportation

• Cairo: Heavy rain caused a 15 % increase in traffic congestion on the Ring Road (source: Cairo Traffic Authority,Jan 5–6).
• Alexandria Port: Fog led to a 30‑minute delay for ferries operating between Alexandria and the Mediterranean islands.

Public Services

• Emergency Response: 27 frost‑related incidents reported to the Egyptian Civil Defense, primarily due to slippery sidewalks.
• Utilities: Minor power fluctuations in the Delta region as humidity affected transformer cooling efficiency.

Agricultural Implications

Crop	Expected Effect	Recommended Action
Wheat (Delta)	Slight yield reduction (~2 %) due to frost damage	Apply antifreeze seed coating for next sowing season
Citrus (Mediterranean coast)	Increased risk of fungal infections	Implement copper‑based spray within 48 h of frost event
Rice (Nile Basin)	Waterlogged fields from rain	Use raised beds and improve drainage channels

Health & Safety Tips for Residents

• Cold‑Related Illness Prevention
• Dress in layers; waterproof outerwear is essential during rain showers.
• Keep indoor humidity between 40‑60 % to reduce respiratory irritation from fog‑borne particulates.

• Road Safety
• Reduce speed to ≤50 km/h on wet or fog‑filled roads.
• Use headlights with fog lights activated; avoid high‑beam glare that can reflect off fog.

• Elderly & children
• Monitor indoor temperatures; aim for a minimum of 20 °C to prevent hypothermia.
• ensure adequate vitamin D intake as sunlight exposure drops by 40 % compared to the previous month.

Tourism Adjustments

• Best Practices for Visitors

1. Check real‑time weather updates on the Egyptian Meteorological Authority website before heading out.
2. Opt for indoor attractions (e.g., Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo) during heavy rain periods.
3. Carry a compact umbrella and non‑slip shoes for city walks.

• Local Event Shifts
• The International Cairo Film Festival postponed its outdoor screenings from Jan 6‑8 to indoor venues at the Nile City Towers.
• Alexandria’s “Winter Light” art installation extended its operating hours to accommodate fog‑induced low visibility, offering additional guided tours in illuminated pathways.

climate Context & Long‑Term Outlook

• Trend Analysis: Data from 1990‑2025 show a 0.9 °C increase in average winter temperatures, yet the frequency of sub‑5 °C nights has risen by 12 % in the past decade (source: Egyptian Climate Change Observatory).
• Future Projections: Seasonal forecasts indicate a 40 % probability of another frost episode in late February 2026, with a possible return of fog in the coastal corridor.

Practical Checklist for Residents & Businesses

• Before the Weather Event
• Verify roof drainage systems to prevent water pooling.
• Calibrate irrigation timers for frost‑sensitive crops.

• During Rain/Fog
• activate flood warnings on local radio and mobile alerts.
• Deploy anti‑slip mats at entrances of retail and public buildings.

• Post‑Event Follow‑Up
• inspect vehicles for water damage,especially brake systems.
• Conduct a health check for livestock, focusing on respiratory issues.

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Data sources: Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMR),cairo Traffic Authority,Egyptian Civil Defence,Ministry of Agriculture & Land Reclamation,local news agencies (Al‑Ahram,Daily News Egypt).