Possibility of a rare rain event over southern Egypt
Image credit: Nahel Belgherze
The generally arid region of southern Egypt might experience a rare rain event as some forecast models predict up to 30 mm (1.2 inches) of accumulated rainfall over the region in early August 2024.
Forecast models predict a rare rain event over southern Egypt during August 2024, according to Nahel Belgherze, a specialized journalist focused on covering weather events worldwide.
The rain event is expected due to an anomalous northward shift of the Intertropical Front’s (ITF) eastern portion.
“Just a few millimeters would be enough to give this desert area several years’ worth of rainfall,” said Belgherze.
Expected total rainfall ranges from 1 to 30 mm (0.04 – 1.2 inches) in some regions between 00:00 UTC on August 3 to 12:00 UTC on August 7.
A rare rain event might unfold in typically arid southern Egypt, one of the hottest and driest regions on Earth, due to an anomalous northward shift of the ITF’s eastern portion. Just a few millimeters would be enough to give this desert area several years’ worth of rainfall. pic.twitter.com/l3Fuut2woY
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 3, 2024
The ECMWF forecast model shows the possibility of 2 – 15 mm (0.08 – 0.6 inches) of accumulated rainfall over the region, with some places reaching 25 mm (1 inch) between 00:00 UTC on August 4 and 06:00 UTC on August 10.
Citizens in the region should stay updated on official forecasts and prepare accordingly.
The Intertropical Front (ITF), commonly known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), is a region near the equator where the trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge.
This convergence leads to the rise of warm, moist air and often results in the formation of thunderstorms and heavy precipitation. The ITF/ITCZ is a critical component of the Earth’s climate system and plays a significant role in the weather patterns and rainfall distribution in tropical regions.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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