Dust-Laden Winds Sweep Across Cairo, Egyptian Governorates

CAIRO – 12 January 2026: Several regions across Greater Cairo and other governorates are experiencing significant dust storms on Monday, leading to sharply reduced horizontal visibility, particularly in open areas.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has urged citizens to exercise caution. Health officials specifically advised the elderly and those suffering from respiratory conditions or sinus allergies to wear face masks and avoid outdoor spaces until conditions improve.

 

According to the latest satellite imagery released by the EMA at 2 p.m. on Monday, wind speeds are currently ranging between 40 and 60 km/h. These active winds are affecting the North Coast, the Nile Delta, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, Sinai, and the Red Sea Governorate, as well as southern Egypt. The EMA warned that these gusts will continue to stir up sand and dust throughout the day.

Meteorologists forecast very cold temperatures for the early morning and overnight periods of Jan. 12, though conditions may tend to be warmer during the daylight hours. Frost is also expected to form on crops in northern Upper Egypt, central Sinai, and the Western Desert due to the plummeting nighttime temperatures.