Latest news with #Khamsin
Shafaq News
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Shafaq News
Dust storms hit Iraq before expected weather shift
Shafaq News/ Iraq is expected to see calmer weather conditions in the second half of May, with the summer season officially beginning in June, an Iraqi meteorologist said on Sunday. Meteorologist Sadeq Al-Attiya told Shafaq News that Iraq's spring weather fluctuations—common from March to mid-May—are driven by unstable pressure systems, with cold air from Europe clashing with warm currents from the Arabian Peninsula and recurring 'Khamsin lows' every 50 days. 'When precipitation is scarce, particularly in Iraq's western desert regions, the lack of vegetation increases the likelihood of dust storms in spring,' Al-Attiya noted. He added that regional sources contribute significantly to Iraq's dust burden, particularly eastern Syria, which has seen widespread desertification due to neglect, along with parts of southern Iraq and Al-Anbar province, where poor rainfall has turned large areas into dust hotspots. However, he projected a gradual stabilization of weather patterns after mid-May as the country enters the dry summer phase. That period is typically dominated by strong northwesterly winds, which persist for 40 to 45 days and bring frequent dust storms, particularly during midday. On May 5, a thick dust storm blanketed Baghdad, turning the capital into a ghostly yellow scene and severely reducing visibility across the city. Iraq's General Traffic Directorate warned that the storm could expand into central and southern Iraq by evening, urging road users to reduce speed, use hazard lights, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and stop driving altogether if visibility becomes critically low. Stabilization is expected to begin later Monday, with clearer skies and mild springtime conditions forecast for the night.
Ya Libnan
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Ya Libnan
Fires rage in Lebanon as winds fuel spread
A fire broke out late Wednesday in a forested area of a northern Lebanese town of Akkar Phot: Trees are seen on fire in a forest in Akkar, northern Lebanon, on July 30, 2021. Lebanon battled rapidly spreading wildfires for the third day Friday in northern areas. Photo:Xinhua Beirut- A fire broke out late Wednesday in a forested area of a northern Lebanese town, with fast-moving winds causing flames to spread. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) said the fire 'erupted in the Shir Enemer area of the forests in the town of Akkar El-Atiqah.' It added, 'Civil defense vehicles arrived at the scene, but the unusually strong winds have significantly widened the fire's spread.' Mayor Mohammad Khalil appealed for the deployment of additional equipment to help contain the blaze 'before the flames consume everything—green and dry alike,' it reported. The news agency added that 'strong winds in the Akkar region caused severe damage to forest resources, uprooting trees and bringing them down onto vehicles on public roads. Water tanks and solar panels were also torn off rooftops and blown away.' A Khamsin low-pressure system struck several Arab countries Wednesday, including Lebanon, bringing sandstorms, strong winds and occasional thunderstorms, while similar winds contributed to the rapid spread of wildfires in Israel. Fires in Beirut In Beirut also fire erupted the the al Ramlet el Baida district of West Beirut another fire also erupted in the Al Hamra district of West Beirut Firefighters were reportedly able to extinguish both fires in Beirut Soon after a huge fire broke out in the Dekwaneh area, the cause of which is not yet known. An 80 km / hr wind throughout Lebanon is being blamed for the fires.
Saba Yemen
30-04-2025
- General
- Saba Yemen
Yedioth Ahronoth: Quds Fires Out of Control
Occupied Quds – SABA: The Zionist newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday evening that more than 100 firefighting units, supported by aircraft, have failed to extinguish the fires that broke out in several areas today, particularly the massive blaze in the forests west of Quds. According to the newspaper, 163 firefighting crews are attempting to control the largest fire stretching from western Jerusalem to the outskirts of Tel Aviv. The flames have consumed thousands of dunums of forest, and firefighting teams have so far been unable to extinguish them. The main highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem has remained closed for ten hours, as the fire is concentrated along the road, considered a vital artery linking the Gush Dan area to Quds. Twelve firefighters have been injured during efforts to put out the blaze. The fire has been exacerbated by hot, dry, and fast Khamsin winds, causing it to spread to multiple areas, with additional fires reported in the south and near Lod. Meanwhile, the Zionist Shin Bet (Shabak) security service has announced an investigation into the fire outbreak, amid suspicions that the blazes may have been deliberately set. Firefighting authorities have confirmed the presence of nine separate fire zones, all located between western Jerusalem and the coastal plain, specifically in areas including Beit Meir, Shoresh, Sha'ar HaGai, Neve Ilan, Mesilat Zion, Neve Shalom, and Park Canada. Large firefighting aircraft of the "Shimson" type are expected to join the efforts tomorrow morning, along with massive "Super Tanker" planes from European countries, similar to those that helped extinguish the massive Carmel forest fire 15 years ago. Channel 7 reported that several areas near the fires have been evacuated over fears that the flames will reach residential zones west of Quds. Fires have also consumed several vehicles traveling on Route 1, while firefighting sources expressed fears of a tragedy similar to the one in the Carmel Mountains, where dozens of prison service personnel died after being trapped in a bus by the flames. The fire also reached the enemy army's armored corps museum in the Latrun area west of Quds, with tanks seen surrounded by fire on all sides. The majority of the museum's contents have been destroyed. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Egypt Independent
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Egypt Independent
Interior min. directs raising level of preparedness to help citizens cope with severe weather wave
CAIRO, April 30 (MENA) – Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfiq directed relevant departments within the Ministry of Interior to raise level of preparedness to assist citizens in facing up to the severe weather phenomenon expected to hit some governorates Wednesday. A well-placed security source told MENA the minister of interior directed raising up security presence on all major roads and highways to facilitate traffic flow and provide assistance to citizens. Relief vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, and traffic cranes have been deployed since early morning on the various roads and main highways across the governorates to remove any traffic obstructions and assist citizens, who might be stuck, the source said. Coordination has been made with relevant authorities as all necessary equipment, crews and forces have been prepared to help mitigate effects of expected severe weather, in addition to providing assistance to citizens and intervening immediately in case of any mishap, added the source. Egypt's Meteorological Authority (EMA) has issued a weather alert on Tuesday, warning of forecasts of severe weather brought by a powerful Khamsin storm. Winds of 40–60 km/h are expected during the day, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, drastically reducing visibility, especially in North Upper Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal, Sinai, and the Gulf of Suez. Some gusts may reach storm-force intensity, the EMA said. Meteorologists advised citizens to avoid weak structures, wear masks outdoors, and follow official updates. They also warned that driving conditions may become hazardous due to airborne dust and poor visibility. (MENA)
Jordan News
27-04-2025
- Climate
- Jordan News
Mild Weather to Continue, Rising Temperatures Midweek - Jordan News
Amman- Jordan is experiencing a slight rise in temperatures today, Sunday, bringing conditions close to seasonal averages. According to the Jordan Meteorological Department, the weather will be generally mild across most regions, with high-altitude clouds visible. Winds are forecast to be light and southeasterly, shifting to moderate northwesterly breezes by evening. اضافة اعلان The department's report indicated that on Monday, mild weather will continue in most areas. However, the eastern parts of the Kingdom are expected to be affected by atmospheric instability. Clouds at medium and high altitudes will appear in the east, and during the afternoon, scattered showers are anticipated in the far northeastern desert, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms. Northwesterly winds are also expected to become active at times, stirring dust in desert areas and reducing horizontal visibility. On Tuesday, mild temperatures are expected to persist, with moderate northwesterly winds occasionally strengthening. Wednesday will see the Kingdom influenced by Khamsin weather conditions, with a noticeable rise in temperatures, reaching 8 to 9 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. High-altitude clouds are expected to appear, while southeasterly winds will be moderate to active by afternoon, raising dust across several areas. The forecast for today indicates that temperatures will range from 27 C to 13 C in eastern Amman, 25 C to 11 C in western Amman, 21 C to 9 C in the northern highlands, and 21 C to 10 C in the Sharah highlands. In desert areas, temperatures are expected to vary between 29 C and 14 C, while the plains will experience temperatures from 26 C to 13 C. The northern Jordan Valley will see a range of 31 C to 15 C, and the southern Jordan Valley is forecasted to reach 34 C and 19 C. At the Dead Sea, temperatures will range from 32 C to 18 C, with the Gulf of Aqaba expected to experience temperatures between 32 C and 20 C.
