Climate Center: Severe heat wave starts Monday, results in record-breaking temperatures

CAIRO - 20 July 2026: Dr. Mohamed Ali Fahim, head of the Climate Information Center at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, warned of a severe heat wave beginning Monday and continuing until the end of the week. He noted that the country is experiencing record-breaking temperatures due to a combination of climatic phenomena.

 

Causes of the Heat Wave 

 

Fahim explained that this heat wave is a result of the extension of what is known as the "heat dome" coming from southern Europe towards North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean, coinciding with the deepening influence of the Indian monsoon low.

 

These combined factors cause heat energy to be trapped near the Earth's surface, leading to heat retention and an increased feeling of humid heat.

 

 

Expected Temperatures in the Governorates

 

Regarding the expected temperatures during the heat wave, the head of the Climate Information Center explained that temperatures in northern Egypt and the Nile Delta will range between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius, while in southern Egypt, temperatures will range between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius. The effect of high humidity will increase the perceived temperature by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above the officially announced temperature.

 

He also noted the possibility of light fog forming in the early morning hours on some agricultural and highway roads near bodies of water in northern Egypt and the Nile Delta.

 

 

Repercussions for Agriculture and Health

 

The head of the Climate Information Center stressed that this heat wave is more dangerous than usual because it coincides with the annual peak of solar radiation, in addition to the continued high temperatures during the nights and the lack of sufficient temperature reduction.

 

The center warned of a range of direct repercussions and risks to public and animal health, including increased rates of heat stress and the direct effects of sun exposure, expected increases in irrigation water consumption of 15% to 20% to cope with high transpiration, the risk of fruit sunscald, an accelerated life cycle of several insect pests, and the creation of a fertile environment for the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases due to the early onset of humid weather.