Egypt warns of severe weather fluctuations, strong wind wave

CAIRO - 25 January 2026: The Climate Change Information Center at the Agricultural Research Center has issued an urgent warning about severe weather fluctuations and a strong wind wave expected to affect the country over three consecutive days, starting on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. 

The Center emphasized that this wave is “strong” in nature and will have direct impacts on both the agricultural and health sectors.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Fahim, Head of the Climate Change Information Center, explained that weather conditions will begin on Monday and Tuesday with warm, dry southwesterly winds carrying sand and dust. These conditions may escalate to dust storms in desert and open areas, particularly in Siwa, Matrouh, the oases, Lower Egypt, and Sinai.

Fahim noted that Wednesday will see a sudden and sharp shift in wind direction, turning into colder, more active northwesterly winds affecting all parts of the country.

He described this rapid transition as a form of “physiological stress” on plants, caused by the sharp fluctuation between warm and suddenly cold temperatures.

Agricultural risks and threats to crops

Fahim warned of significant negative agricultural impacts on field crops and fruit trees, including increased moisture loss from soil and plants, water stress, flower and young fruit drop, leaf-edge burn, crop lodging, broken tree branches, damage to plastic greenhouses, and the spread of pests—especially rodents—due to dust-laden winds.

Urgent recommendations for farmers

The Center stressed the importance of using Sunday to complete urgent agricultural operations and issued a set of recommendations for farmers, including:

1. Maintaining adequate soil moisture without over-irrigation, and completely avoiding irrigation during periods of strong winds.
2. Postponing all spraying and foliar fertilization throughout the duration of the weather wave.
3. Using potassium compounds and amino acids to strengthen plant immunity, followed by calcium application immediately after the wave ends.
4. Securing plant supports properly and inspecting irrigation networks.

Health warnings for citizens

On the health front, Fahim issued an urgent warning to people suffering from sinus conditions, chest allergies, as well as the elderly and children, urging them to exercise extreme caution. He noted that fine dust particles are expected to worsen respiratory symptoms.

He advised wearing masks, keeping windows tightly closed, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak dust periods.

Fahim concluded by stressing that proactive measures are essential to protect crops and reduce economic and health losses, calling on everyone to closely follow official weather updates.