The General Authority for Meteorology in Egypt has issued a severe weather warning for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as the country braces for a dust storm linked to a Khamaseeni depression. This weather phenomenon is expected to bring strong winds and reduced visibility, with significant impacts anticipated across various regions.
As the Khamaseeni depression moves into the area, it is set to affect desert regions such as Siwa and the Western Desert, stirring up dust and sand that could lead to hazardous driving conditions. The authority has cautioned that winds could reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, creating dust storms that may impair visibility on highways.
On the day of the storm's peak, the forecast indicates that the weather will be mild in northern Egypt but hot in South Sinai, with nighttime temperatures remaining moderate across most areas. However, the conditions are expected to worsen on Wednesday, with wind gusts potentially reaching between 70 and 80 kilometers per hour, particularly affecting Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt.
"The winds will be strong enough to reduce visibility to less than 1000 meters in many regions," the meteorological authority warned in a statement. This alarming forecast has prompted local officials to issue calls for caution, particularly for those who must travel on the roads.
In anticipation of the storm, the Egyptian Ministry of Health has also advised vulnerable populations, including individuals with respiratory issues, to stay indoors. They recommend that if citizens must go outside, they should wear masks to cover their noses and mouths, dress in light clothing, and use protective eyewear to avoid irritation from the dust.
Additionally, residents are urged to close windows tightly to prevent dust from entering their homes. The ministry suggests using air conditioning systems to filter out dust particles and maintaining cleanliness in living spaces by using damp cloths to block any potential entry points for dust.
In light of these severe weather conditions, the Egyptian Ministry of Education has announced the suspension of classes in schools for Wednesday, coinciding with the storm's peak. This decision includes the postponement of scheduled monthly exams, which will now take place the following week.
Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has also declared Wednesday a holiday for all Al-Azhar institutions across the country, reinforcing the importance of safety during this extreme weather event.
As the storm approaches, social media has been abuzz with images showing the sky turning an ominous orange hue, particularly in western regions like Marsa Matrouh and Siwa, as the dust storm begins to take shape.
Citizens are reminded to heed these warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The General Authority for Meteorology continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. With conditions expected to deteriorate significantly, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and prepared.
This weather event underscores the unpredictable nature of climate patterns in the region, and as such, authorities are emphasizing the need for public awareness and preparedness in the face of such challenges.
In summary, Egypt is on high alert as it faces a potentially dangerous dust storm due to the Khamaseeni depression. With strong winds and reduced visibility expected, citizens are encouraged to stay indoors and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
