Heavy rainfall has been affecting the Egyptian city of Alexandria for several days, with some areas experiencing torrential downpours during the morning hours. This has led to speculation about whether the city has entered its 'Nawat' season, a period of increased rainfall that typically occurs during certain times of the year. According to Manar Ghanem, a weather forecaster with the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, the rainfall in Alexandria is not necessarily linked to the 'Nawat' season.
Ghanem explained that the city's rainfall patterns are influenced by the passage of low-pressure systems and their impact on various regions, particularly coastal areas. She emphasized that it is more accurate to follow the movement of these weather systems rather than relying on traditional calendars of 'Nawat' periods. The 'Nawat' season is a well-known phenomenon in Alexandria, with residents expecting increased rainfall during specific times of the year.
Ghanem clarified that describing the current rainfall as the "first Nawat" is not accurate. She noted that rainfall in Alexandria does not have to coincide with a specific 'Nawat' period, and that the city can experience rainfall on days that do not match any scheduled 'Nawat'. This has happened during the current period, with Ghanem adding that rainfall can occur before, after, or during a 'Nawat' period, not just at the scheduled time.
The weather forecaster also highlighted that climate change has become a factor in shaping weather patterns, leading to increased uncertainty in predicting rainfall. As a result, rainfall can occur at any time, regardless of the traditional 'Nawat' calendar. Ghanem stressed that it is essential to focus on the movement of low-pressure systems and their impact on the region rather than relying solely on 'Nawat' schedules.
Looking ahead to the coming days, Ghanem predicted that rainfall will continue in Alexandria and other coastal areas until mid-week. She warned that some areas may experience heavy downpours, citing the city's experience with torrential rainfall on the previous day. This has reinforced the idea that rainfall in Alexandria is not necessarily linked to the 'Nawat' season.
Ghanem also mentioned that it is possible for one of the scheduled 'Nawat' periods to coincide with rainfall in the coming days. She noted that the dates of these periods are well-known and can be found in traditional calendars, with one 'Nawat' potentially occurring in mid-October. However, she emphasized that the presence or absence of rainfall should not be determined solely by these calendars.
In conclusion, while the current rainfall in Alexandria has sparked questions about the 'Nawat' season, weather forecasters emphasize that the two are not directly linked. Instead, the city's rainfall patterns are influenced by a range of factors, including the movement of low-pressure systems and climate change. As the situation continues to unfold, residents and authorities will be monitoring weather forecasts closely to prepare for any further rainfall.
Key points
- The Egyptian Meteorological Authority has forecast continued rainfall in Alexandria and other coastal areas until mid-week.
- Climate change is influencing weather patterns in Alexandria, leading to increased uncertainty in predicting rainfall.
- The city's rainfall patterns are influenced by the passage of low-pressure systems and their impact on various regions.
