The Khamsin: Egypt’s spring sandstorm wind
The Khamsin is a hot, dry and dusty wind that blows across Egypt in spring. Its name comes from the Arabic word for fifty, after the roughly fifty days in which it tends to occur.
Conditions right now
How a Khamsin day unfolds
A Khamsin is driven by low-pressure systems moving east along the Mediterranean or across North Africa. Ahead of them, hot air is pulled north from the desert. Temperatures can rise by 10°C or more within hours, humidity collapses, and sand and dust fill the air, sometimes turning the sky orange over Cairo. When the system passes, the wind swings round and cooler air returns.
Staying safe in a sandstorm
Close windows and doors, and stay indoors if you have asthma or other breathing problems. Cover your nose and mouth outside and protect your eyes. Drive slowly with lights on, or stop well off the road if visibility drops sharply. Secure loose items on balconies and rooftops, and drink plenty of water, since the hot dry air dehydrates quickly. The same kind of wind is called the ghibli in Libya.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Khamsin blow in Egypt?
Mostly from March to May, in episodes lasting from a few hours to a few days.
Why is it called Khamsin?
Khamsin comes from the Arabic word for fifty, referring to the period of about fifty days in spring when it is most likely.
How hot does it get during a Khamsin?
In Cairo, spring days that would normally reach the high twenties can climb into the high thirties or even above 40°C for a day or two.