Egypt raises maximum alert for Eid Al-Fitr amid rain, flood forecasts

CAIRO – 18 March 2026: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has instructed all relevant government agencies to raise their state of alert to the highest level to handle any potential crises during the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday, amid forecasts of rain and floods in some areas.

Madbouly issued the directive during the weekly government meeting in the New Administrative Capital on Wednesday, according to a Cabinet statement.

Eid Al-Fitr kicks off this weekend, and tens of millions of Egyptians are expected to hit the streets, public spots, and beaches to celebrate.

However, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) expects “unstable weather conditions” across most of the country throughout the Eid holiday.

Scattered rain showers of varying intensity may hit many areas nationwide, alongside winds reaching 40 to 50 km/h that may raise dust in some areas.

Satellite images show low, medium, and high clouds accumulating from northern Egypt to Greater Cairo and Upper Egypt, with chances of scattered rain, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms on Wednesday.

Thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rain are also expected in Sinai and the Red Sea governorate, with hail possible in some areas today. Flash floods may also hit roads connecting the Red Sea to northern Upper Egypt.

Strong winds are expected across much of the country, raising dust and reducing visibility, particularly in southern Egypt, as well as southern and eastern Cairo.

Boosting Market Oversight

During the meeting, Madbouly also emphasized that authorities must maintain strict oversight of markets to ensure the availability of essential goods and prevent price manipulation or hoarding.

He called for strict enforcement against illegal land seizures, unauthorized construction, and violations of agricultural land regulations.