A heatwave hit Egypt, causing one of the hottest days in 2015 for the country. Peaking on Wednesday with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in Cairo and as high as 47 degrees Celsius in Hurghada, Egyptians were not happy about the epic thermometer readings.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, a hellish and unexpected sandstorm accompanied by high winds covered almost all of Cairo around noon, turning the capital into a dust-ridden yellowish city.
Egyptians, who are used to Egypt’s moderate climate and refreshing winds and don’t even like it when temperatures surpass 35 degrees Celsius, were taken aback by the uncharacteristically high temperatures, prompted some mockery from Gulf residents on social media.
Many took to social media to share their experiences and complain about the weather conditions, conditions which amusingly aren’t that bad compared to summers in the Gulf countries where it's not uncommon for temperatures to reach 50 degrees Celsius. Temperatures reaching 45 degrees in a country like Kuwait or Qatar for instance, is not classified as a heatwave, but just another day. Another blisteringly hot, almost suffocating day.
The Egyptian Health Ministry took the matter seriously and called on Egyptians to remain hydrated, avoid leaving the house unless necessary and avoid the sun as much as possible to prevent a heatstroke.
Despite their frustration with the weather, Egyptians as always, found creative ways to beat the heat. While some stayed home huddled around their air conditioners, others took different routes.
Those included Egyptian classics such as jumping in the Nile or any public fountain in sight and loading up on soft drinks and ice cream, as well as other less orthodox methods like using cardboard cartons and wooden chairs to shield the sun.
As the weather cools down, let's hope Egypt doesn't get hit with another heat wave again. Just because Gulf residents are used to these burning temperatures doesn't mean we are.