Beat the heat: Tips to avoid heat stress as scorching weather persists across Egypt

CAIRO - 23 June 2024: Summer has arrived and Egypt is feeling the burn as temperatures soar to a scorching 40 degrees and above in Cairo and most areas.

The Ministry of Health is urging caution, providing helpful tips to avoid heat stress and cope with it if you or someone you know falls victim to it.

Heat stress is no joke and can lead to unpleasant symptoms like loss of consciousness, dry skin, and an inability to regulate body temperature, ultimately resulting in a heat stroke.

Those most at risk are the elderly, children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and people whose work or activities keep them outdoors, such as athletes and many workers.

Prevention is key!

So, how can you beat the heat and stay safe? Prevention is key! If you're planning an outdoor adventure, here are some tips to keep cool:

First and foremost, stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, whether you feel thirsty or not. Your body always needs that H2O boost.

Second, if your wardrobe is all about black, it's time to hit the shops. Opt for light-colored, lightweight clothing that won't absorb as much heat. White is your best friend in this scorching weather.

Third, between 10 AM and 4 PM, do your best to avoid direct sun exposure. Seek shade whenever possible while you're out and about.

Fourth, while hot showers may be tempting, they're not the best choice. Stick to refreshing cold showers to help maintain an ideal body temperature.

A man protects his head from sun - Egypt Today/Khaled Kamel

If prevention fails!

Fifth, if prevention fails, seek immediate help if your condition worsens due to heat stress.

Move to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and cool down your body by using wet towels, for example.

Now, let's talk about the weather forecast for the remaining week, based on the Egyptian Meteorological Authority's (EMA) expectations.

In Greater Cairo, temperatures will hover around 39 to 40 degrees during the day, so brace yourselves for the heat.

However, if you're heading to the North Coast, expect slightly cooler temperatures of around 33 degrees.

Venturing to the beautiful cities of South Sinai? Prepare for scorching temperatures of over 40 degrees throughout the week. It's a good time to stock up on sunscreen!

Northern Upper Egypt, including Beni Suef and Fayoum, will experience hot weather with temperatures reaching around 41 degrees during the day all week long.

Heading further south to Luxor and Aswan, be prepared for blazing temperatures of 44 to 45 degrees during daylight hours.

Keep in mind:

1. These temperature readings are taken in the shade, so avoid direct sun exposure as it will feel even hotter.

2. The summer weather feels especially intense due to increased humidity levels from the Indian monsoon low-pressure system. As the air masses pass over the Mediterranean Sea, they bring in more humidity, resulting in a greater sense of warmth in Egypt.

Here are the average temperatures expected for different regions in Egypt next week until Friday, according to the EMA's forecast:

- Cairo and Lower Egypt – Highs: 40, Lows: 28

- North Coast – Highs: 33, Lows: 24

- South Sinai – Highs: 42, Lows: 31

- Northern Upper Egypt – Highs: 41, Lows: 26

- Southern Upper Egypt – Highs: 45, Lows: 31