Dust storm sweeps Egyptian governorates: strong wind and dust reduce visibility

CAIRO – 13 February 2026: Egyptian governorates were hit by a wave of unstable weather on Friday, characterized by strong winds and heavy dust that severely reduced visibility across major squares and arterial roads.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) had previously forecasted these volatile conditions, predicting wind speeds of 50 to 60 km/h across most regions of the country.

The winds were expected to stir up significant amounts of sand and dust, potentially reducing horizontal visibility to less than 500 meters in some areas, alongside a general rise in temperatures.

Regarding the rainfall forecast, the EMA noted that light to moderate rain was expected to concentrate along the northwestern coast and the northern Nile Delta.

Heavier rainfall and occasional thunderstorms were anticipated specifically in the Salloum and Marsa Matrouh areas, while light rain was expected in parts of the northeastern coast and southern Nile Delta, with a 20% chance of showers extending into Greater Cairo during the evening hours.

Maritime activity has also been significantly impacted by the weather front. Severe disruptions are occurring along the Mediterranean coast from Salloum to Rafah, where wind speeds have reached 60 km/h and wave heights are ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters. Similarly, the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba are experiencing rough seas and strong winds, with wave heights reaching up to 4 meters.