A deep low-pressure system is causing significant weather changes in nine Arab countries.

Arab Weather – Computer simulations at the Arab Weather Center indicate a surge of extremely cold air towards the central Mediterranean, specifically between Italy and Greece, leading to the formation of a deep low-pressure system in this region. Due to the low atmospheric pressure at the center of this low and its current position, significant weather impacts are expected in nine Arab countries, with Libya and the Maghreb region being the most directly affected, while the effects will extend to Egypt and the Levant.

Snow is expected in the Algerian highlands, while Libya will experience rain, strong winds, and heavy dust.

On Thursday, the deep low-pressure system is expected to remain centered over the central Mediterranean, continuing to push cold winds towards central and western Mediterranean regions. This will result in cold, rainy winter weather across many parts of Tunisia and Algeria. Late-season snowfall is also expected on the high mountain peaks of Algeria, with accumulations possible on the highest elevations.

Due to the low-pressure system's current position, strong winds are expected across large areas of Libya, with gusts potentially exceeding 80 km/h. This will lead to widespread sandstorms affecting the western, northern, and central regions, extending as far as the capital. These sandstorms will cause a significant reduction in horizontal visibility, potentially reaching near zero, across vast areas of Libya. Furthermore, the sea will be extremely rough in the central Mediterranean off the Libyan coast, with wave heights expected to reach approximately five meters. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid the coast due to the anticipated high sea conditions.

The effects of the low-pressure system extend to Egypt

The effects of this low-pressure system are expected to reach Egypt during Wednesday night and Thursday, initially bringing unstable weather conditions with widespread rain, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms. These conditions will affect the Suez Canal cities, Cairo, and parts of Upper Egypt and Sinai. On Thursday, winds carrying dense dust are expected to sweep across western and northwestern Egypt, creating noticeably dusty conditions.

Unstable weather conditions in the Levant despite high temperatures

Despite the low-pressure system's distance from the region, it is expected to push cold air in the upper atmosphere, coinciding with warmer air currents in the lower atmosphere. This will lead to widespread atmospheric instability during the night of Wednesday/Thursday and Thursday morning, affecting Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. Rain is expected across large areas of these countries, sometimes heavy and possibly accompanied by thunder, increasing the risk of flash floods, water accumulation, and rising water levels.

We ask God that it be a merciful rain for all affected countries, and it is advised to take the necessary precautions against the dangers of flash floods and ravines, in addition to being aware of the expected sea disturbance, high waves and heavy dust, especially in Libya and parts of the Algerian Sahara.

And God knows best.