Heavy rains waterlog streets across Egypt, prompt school closures: Causes and forecast

CAIRO – 2 April 2026: Large parts of Egypt, including Greater Cairo, were hit by heavy rain and strong winds overnight, leaving many streets waterlogged and prompting authorities in several governorates to suspend classes on Thursday.

School closures were announced in Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia, most Upper Egypt governorates, excluding Aswan and Luxor, and across the Nile Delta, with the exception of Beheira.

Amid ongoing weather fluctuations nationwide, Minister of Education Mohamed Abdel Latif postponed Thursday’s monthly exams in governorates where schools remained open, in order to ensure equal opportunities for students.

Authorities continue to drain and clear rainwater from affected areas, including entrances, homes, streets, and squares, to restore traffic and ensure public safety.

 

Persistent Unsettled Weather

Egypt has experienced a spell of unstable weather since late March, marked by intermittent rainfall and dusty winds.

The conditions have led to repeated school closures and disruptions to exam schedules.

Manar Ghanem of the Egyptian Meteorological Authority said the current conditions are driven by a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, coupled with moisture near the surface, resulting in atmospheric instability.

She noted in press remarks that wind speeds may reach up to 70 km/h in some areas, with strong downdrafts possible during thunderstorms. These conditions could lead to dust storms, lightning, thunder, and localized water accumulation.

Residents were advised to avoid standing near light poles, power lines, and billboards during severe weather.

What to Expect

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority said dusty conditions are expected to persist across parts of the northwestern coasts and northern Delta, including Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El Sheikh, and Dakahlia, accompanied by reduced visibility.

These conditions may extend to the northeastern coasts, southern Delta, and potentially parts of Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt.

Rainfall is expected to continue in parts of Upper Egypt, the Canal cities, the Gulf of Suez, and areas of Sinai, gradually extending to central and southern Upper Egypt and the Red Sea mountain ranges as the day progresses.

There is also a chance of further rain in Greater Cairo, southern Delta, and the Canal cities, though with lower intensity during daytime hours.