Heavy rain, lightning, and hail hit the driest parts of the earth

Arab Weather - Satellite images and weather maps at the Arab Weather Center indicate the development of strong thunderstorms over large parts of the Sahara Desert, including desert areas in Algeria, Libya and Egypt, as a result of the noticeable expansion of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) towards the north during this period.

In detail, the influx of tropical moisture coming from the south with very hot air over the desert regions led to the formation of strong cumulonimbus clouds, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall, hail, and clear thunderstorm activity, which is expected to continue in the coming days. Weather data shows the possibility of flash floods and the sudden flow of valleys and desert streams in some areas, even though these areas are classified as among the driest regions in the world and receive the least rainfall throughout the year.

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, extending over an area of approximately 9 million square kilometers across several countries in North Africa. It is characterized by extremely low rainfall rates, with annual rainfall in large parts of it not exceeding a few millimeters, while some areas go through consecutive years without recording any significant rainfall.

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is considered one of the most important weather systems affecting the African continent during the summer. As the season progresses, it moves northward, bringing with it humid air masses that help in the formation of thunderstorms and seasonal rains. Its effects can sometimes reach desert areas that rarely receive rain, as is currently happening.

And God knows best.