Alexandria, Egypt, undergoes unexpected hailstorm.
An unexpected hailstorm hit Alexandria, Egypt, on May 31, 2025, causing significant disruptions within the city. The storm, characterized by heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, led to flooding of roads and damage to seafront businesses, with hailstones shattering cafe windows as patrons fled[3][4].
In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Alexandria governor raised the alert level, and emergency crews worked diligently through the morning to clear debris and tow cars[3][5]. Fortunately, no casualties were reported by Egypt's health ministry, a relief during this challenging time[4][5].
Scientists caution that climate change is leading to more frequent and unpredictable weather events, including both droughts and heavy downpours[2][3]. Alexandria's location along the coastline leaves the city particularly vulnerable to erosion, rising sea levels, and annual flooding[3][4]. Projections from the UN-mandated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggest that the Mediterranean could rise by up to a meter within the next three decades, potentially flooding 30% of Alexandria and displacing a quarter of its six million residents by 2050[3][5].
The authorities have already initiated mitigation efforts, such as constructing a massive breakwater to protect the city from these impending rises in sea level and flooding[3][5].
The city of Alexandria is now grappling with the increasing threat of extreme weather events as a result of climate change, necessitating ongoing efforts to safeguard its infrastructure and residents.
- The weather news reports have been consistently warning about the impact of climate change, suggesting an increase in extreme weather events such as the hailstorm that hit Alexandria, Egypt.
- The unexpected heavy weather disruptions in Alexandria have brought focus to the need for stronger environmental-science measures to protect the city, including the construction of infrastructure like the planned breakwater.
- In light of the growing threat of climate change and its effects on the weather system, businesses in Alexandria are facing challenges due to increasing instances of flooding and potential damage caused by extreme weather events.
- As the frequency of unpredictable weather events increases, due in part to climate change, the city's health services need to be prepared for any potential impacts on public health, despite the relief felt after the recent hailstorm incident.
- The finance department of Alexandria must consider the long-term costs of climate-change impacts, such as the potential rise in sea levels and accompanying flooding, when making decisions regarding future development and infrastructure projects.
