What to know about ‘Al Hussom Storm’ that hit Egypt

CAIRO – 14 March 2026: Egypt has been hit by what has been called the “Al Hussom Storm,” lasting for several days nationwide and pushing authorities and governorates to brace for this unstable weather.

Al Hussom Storm is one of the most severe storms to hit Alexandria. It occurs in the first half of March and lasts for seven days. It is named “Hussoum” in Arabic because the word refers to consecutive harsh days that cut off the good or bring intense cold. It is characterized by heavy lightning, thunder, and torrential rain, and is considered the last of the major rainstorms to strike the country in the winter.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has issued an urgent warning to citizens about strong winds across most of the country, accompanied by sandstorms and reduced horizontal visibility in some areas.

It also called upon citizens to stay away from billboards, trees, dilapidated buildings, and light poles. The EMA also instructed drivers to be cautious on the roads. Those who suffer from sinusitis and respiratory allergies were advised to wear masks when going outside.

The EMA added that the country is expected to witness continued unstable weather conditions on Saturday, with varying intensities of rain and wind speeds of 40 to 50 km/h, causing sandstorms and dust in some areas. Temperatures will continue to rise across most of the country.

However, moderate rainfall, which may turn heavy and thundery at times, is expected to affect areas of the northern coast, the northern Nile Delta, and the Gulf of Suez, and may reach the level of flash floods in parts of Sinai at intervals.

Light rain is possible, with a probability of approximately 30 percent, over parts of Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, Upper Egypt, the Red Sea mountain range, and the Western Desert. Rainfall may be moderate at times in some areas.

Dust-raising winds are expected across most of the country, particularly in parts of the Western Desert, southern Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, Sinai, and parts of the Red Sea Governorate. These winds may reduce horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters in some areas, the EMA said.

Disruption of maritime navigation

Regarding maritime navigation, the Mediterranean Sea will experience disruptions, with wind speeds reaching 50 to 70 km/h and wave heights reaching 2.5 to 3.5 meters. As for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez, navigation will also be disrupted, with wind speeds reaching 40 to 60 km/h and wave heights reaching 2.5 to 3.5 meters.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Ali Fahim, head of the Climate Change Information Center at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, announced that the country is exposed to a wave of violent weather disturbances, the signs of which began gradually last Thursday and will reach their peak on Friday and Saturday, with their effects continuing until Sunday.

These changes will begin with a gradual rise in temperatures, accompanied by warm daytime weather and noticeable wind activity across various regions, including Greater Cairo, the North Coast, and the Western Desert. Fahim indicated that the relative calm expected on Monday will not last long, as disturbances will return on Tuesday in the form of strong, sand-laden gusts of wind. This necessitates caution from citizens, especially farmers and those with respiratory illnesses.

Governorates on alert

Major General Mohamed Alwan, Governor of Assiut, announced the raising of the state of maximum alert across all local units and service directorates throughout the governorate.

The governor stressed to the heads of districts, cities, and neighborhoods the necessity of continuous coordination with various executive bodies and raising the level of preparedness to deal with any emergencies. He also directed traffic, civil protection, ambulance, and utility company officials to review the readiness of equipment and emergency teams, ensure the secure installation of billboards, and inspect streetlights and the areas surrounding vital facilities in anticipation of any impacts that may result from strong winds.

Precautionary measures were also taken by disconnecting electricity to some areas affected by the strong winds in order to protect the safety of citizens and property, with continued field monitoring until weather conditions stabilize.

The governor indicated that citizens can report any emergencies or malfunctions through the hotline 114, or contact the Assiut Governorate Operations Room 24/7 via the following numbers: landline 0882135858 and WhatsApp 01000623873.

In Alexandria, Governor Ayman Attia announced a state of high alert across all executive bodies and vital sectors in the governorate. He directed district heads, the sanitation company, and all relevant authorities to maintain a 24/7 field presence in key areas to monitor rainwater drainage and ensure smooth traffic flow.

He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring by the governorate's operations room and the national network's control center, in coordination with district operations rooms, to receive and immediately address any emergency reports.

He stressed the importance of reviewing the efficiency of drainage systems and stormwater outlets, and ensuring the readiness of pumping stations in all critical areas and main thoroughfares to guarantee the safety of citizens and prevent any disruption to their movement.

As for Assiut Governorate in Upper Egypt, it witnessed bad weather as a result of violent dust storms and strong winds carrying sand and dust. This led to damage to a number of cars and the breaking of glass in some house and facility windows, as well as the tearing and falling of a number of billboards in streets and squares.

Major General Mohamed Alwan, Governor of Assiut, announced the raising of the state of maximum readiness in all local units and service directorates at the governorate level.