An Account Of Egypt @ Amazon.com
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Egypt has a predominantly desert climate with a narrow coastal strip to the north having degenerate Mediterranean Climate. There are basically two types of climates in Egypt viz., the degenerate Mediterranean type and hot and arid desert type. These two types are explained underneath in a little more detail. The Degenerate Mediterranean Type This climate is found in a narrow coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea. The summers are hot and arid while winters are mild with a little rain. The relative humidity is higher than the rest of the Egypt due to proximity of this area to the Mediterranean Sea. The famous city of Alexandria is the typical example. The summers are hot; mean temperature of the hottest month, July is 81 F ( 27 C ) and the winters are mild; mean of the coolest month, January is 58 F ( 14 C ). From May to September there is practically no rain and the rest of the months receive a little rain. This pattern resembles the climate of the Mediterranean stations but the total annual rainfall is just 8 inches (203 mm) which qualifies the criterion specified by the Meteorologists for deserts i.e., less than 10 inches ( 250 mm ). That is the reason that the climate is specified as degenerate Mediterranean type. In fact these areas have half desert and half Mediterranean climate. Hot and Dry Desert Climate Almost whole of Egypt minus the narrow coastal belt described above has this type of climate. The characteristic features of this type of climate are hot to very hot and exceedingly arid summers and mild arid winter. Whether it is winter or summer, rain is non-existent. The air is very arid without doubt peculiarly in the summers. The Lower Egypt which comprises of Cairo is somewhat less hot and drier than the Upper Egypt which is represented by Aswan and Luxor. The hottest month at Cairo is July with an intermediate temperature of 83 F (28 C) while both at Aswan and Luxor it surpasses 93 F (34 C). The coolest month at Cairo records a intermediate temperature of 57 F (14 C) while both at Aswan and Luxor it surpasses 60 F (16 C). The exceedingly arid weather of the Lower Egypt accounts for the fact that the ancient mummies at Cairo are much more preserved than that at Luxor.The climate of Aswan is particularly pleasant in winter and rich humans from all around the world like to spend winters here. It was likewise the bestloved tourist resort of the Late Agha Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaeli Muslims and his grand mausoleum built on the pattern of Fatimid Caliphs with marble interior adds to the beauty of the city. In short, the climate of Egypt is hot desert type with the exception of a narrow coastal belt in the north of the country. Best time to visit Egypt is winter when the temperatures are pleasant and the days are sunny. |
Excellent travelogue