Alexandria Suspends School on Thursday over Predicted Heavy Rainfall

Alexandria is suspending classes in all schools in the governorate on Thursday over bad weather, a statement by the governorate read. 

Parts of the northern coast and the northern Delta are expected to witness mild to moderate rainfall on Thursday, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority said today. 

Alexandria Governor Mohamed El-Sherif also ordered a paid day off on Thursday for female employees who are tending to children under 12 years of age.

Employees in leadership positions and shift workers in Alexandria schools will report to work as usual, in accordance with the requirements set by the heads of the education directorates.

The decision has been made to preserve public safety and allow authorities to deal with the effects of the bad weather, the Alexandria governorate said. 

Several areas in Alexandria saw rare snowfall on Wednesday as temperatures dropped in the Mediterranean city, coinciding with its seasonal winter thunderstorms. 

Egypt is expected to see possible rain and windy weather in major areas during this weekend, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) on Wednesday.

On Thursday, there is a 50 percent chance for moderate rain in northwestern coasts and northern Lower Egypt and 30-40 percent chance for light to moderate rain in northeastern coasts, southern Lower Egypt, south of Red Sea governorate.

Also, Friday rain will extend to Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, the EMA added.

On Friday, chances of light to moderate rain are 40-50 percent in northern coasts and northern Lower Egypt, while southern Lower Egypt can see a 30 percent chance of light rain.

Northern coasts and northern Lower Egypt may only experience light to moderate rain on Saturday, added the EMA.

Areas nationwide will see cool weather during the early morning and at night until Tuesday, the EMA said.

Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, northern coasts, and northern Upper Egypt will see mild weather this week during day while warm weather will prevail South Sinai and southern Upper Egypt over the coming week.

Average temperatures based on the EMA expectations:

- Cairo and Lower Egypt – Highs: 20 - Lows: 14

- Northern coasts – Highs: 19 – Lows: 13

- South Sinai – Highs: 23 – Lows: 16

- Northern Upper Egypt – Highs: 21 – Lows: 10

- Southern Upper Egypt – Highs: 23 – Lows: 12