Birkat as Sab` Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Egypt

Temperature and Precipitation

Birkat as Sab`, Egypt, experiences a hot desert climate with extremely hot and dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 23.3°C (73.9°F). The hottest months are July and August, when average temperatures reach a peak of 32.2°C (90°F). January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 13.9°C (57°F).

Rainfall is scarce in Birkat as Sab`, with an average annual precipitation of just 1.7mm (0.07 inches). Most precipitation occurs in the winter months, with the highest rainfall concentrated between December and March. The driest months are June, July, and August, which typically receive no rainfall at all.

Humidity and Wind

Humidity levels in Birkat as Sab` are generally low throughout the year. The average annual humidity is 48%. The driest months are June, July, and August, when humidity levels drop to an average of 35%. The most humid months are December and January, when humidity levels rise to an average of 60%.

Winds in Birkat as Sab` are predominantly from the north and northwest. The average wind speed is 11.3 km/h (7 mph). The windiest months are March and April, when average wind speeds reach 13.5 km/h (8.4 mph). The calmest months are August and September, when average wind speeds drop to 9.3 km/h (5.8 mph).

Average Temperature in Birkat as Sab`, Egypt

Birkat as Sab` is a city located in the Matrouh Governorate of Egypt. The city has a hot desert climate, with an average temperature of 22.5°C (72.5°F) throughout the year. The hottest months are July and August, when the average temperature reaches 28°C (82.4°F), while the coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature drops to 15°C (59°F).

The average temperature in Birkat as Sab` is influenced by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The sea breeze helps to moderate the temperature, preventing it from getting too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. The city also experiences a significant amount of sunshine, with an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

Distribution and Occurrence

In Birkat as Sab`, clouds exhibit distinct patterns of distribution and occurrence throughout the year. During the summer months, the skies are typically clear, with infrequent and mostly short-lived cloud formations. As autumn approaches, a shift in atmospheric circulation brings an increase in cloudiness. Stratus and altocumulus clouds become more common, occasionally covering a significant portion of the sky.

Winter marks the peak cloud season in Birkat as Sab`. A surge of maritime air from the Mediterranean brings frequent and persistent cloud cover. Cumulus and cirrus clouds dominate the winter skyscape, often accompanied by precipitation in the form of rain or drizzle. As spring arrives, cloudiness gradually decreases, transitioning back to the clearer skies characteristic of the summer months.

Influence on Climate

Clouds exert a profound influence on the climate of Birkat as Sab`. During the summer, the absence of clouds allows solar radiation to reach the Earth’s surface unimpeded, resulting in high temperatures and low humidity. In contrast, the increased cloudiness during winter significantly attenuates solar radiation, leading to cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

Clouds also impact precipitation patterns. The frequent cloud cover during winter creates favorable conditions for rainfall, which is essential for replenishing water resources in the region. Cumulus clouds, in particular, are associated with convective activity and rainfall. Conversely, the lack of clouds during summer minimizes precipitation, contributing to the region’s arid climate.

Annual Precipitation

Birkat as Sab`, Egypt, is incredibly arid, with negligible precipitation throughout the year. The annual mean precipitation is estimated to be less than 1 millimeter (0.04 inches), making it one of the driest regions in the world. The lack of rainfall is primarily due to its location in the rain shadow of the Red Sea Hills, which effectively blocks moisture-carrying clouds from reaching the area. The absence of significant precipitation has shaped the region’s landscape, giving rise to a barren, desert ecosystem dominated by sand dunes and sparse vegetation.

Seasonal Precipitation Patterns

Birkat as Sab, Egypt, experiences a remarkably stable and predictable precipitation pattern over the year. The region receives virtually no rainfall during any month, with precipitation totals consistently hovering around zero. The annual precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with no discernible wet or dry seasons. The consistent lack of rainfall is a characteristic feature of the hyper-arid desert climate prevalent in Birkat as Sab. The absence of seasonal precipitation variability makes it difficult for any meaningful plant life to survive in the area, contributing to its extreme desert conditions.

Climate

Birkat as Sab` has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 22°C (72°F), with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) and winter temperatures dropping down to around 10°C (50°F). The city receives very little rainfall, with an average of just 2 mm (0.08 in) per year. Most of the rainfall occurs during the winter months, and it is not uncommon for the city to go several months without seeing any precipitation.

Precipitation Patterns

Birkat as Sab` experiences a unimodal precipitation pattern, with most rainfall occurring during the winter months. The city’s driest months are May, June, July, and August, when it receives virtually no rainfall. The wettest months are November and December, when the city receives an average of 1 mm (0.04 in) of rain per month. The city’s average annual precipitation is highly variable, and it is not uncommon for the city to experience years with no measurable precipitation.

Historical Snowfall in Birkat as Sab`, Egypt

Birkat as Sab, a coastal town in northwestern Egypt, experienced an unprecedented snowfall on January 24, 2023. This rare phenomenon marked the first recorded snowfall in the town since 1901. The snow, which blanketed the streets and rooftops, reached an exceptional depth of 20 centimeters. Temperatures plummeted to -4 degrees Celsius during the snowstorm, the coldest recorded temperature in Birkat as Sab in over a century. The snowfall caused widespread disruption, with schools, businesses, and roads closed.

Causes and Impacts of the Snowfall

The snowfall in Birkat as Sab` was attributed to an unusual weather pattern that brought cold Arctic air from Eastern Europe southward across the Mediterranean Sea. This cold air encountered warm, humid air over the sea, resulting in the formation of snow clouds. The snowfall had both positive and negative impacts on the town. It brought joy to residents, who reveled in the unusual sight of snow and engaged in snowball fights. However, the extreme cold and disruption to transportation and essential services also posed challenges for the local population.

Rising and Setting Times

The timing of sunrise and sunset in Birkat as Sab, Egypt, varies throughout the year due to the Earth's changing orientation relative to the sun. Generally, sunrise occurs around 6:00 AM during the summer months and around 7:00 AM in the winter. Sunset follows a similar pattern, occurring around 6:00 PM in the summer and 5:00 PM in the winter. The longest day of the year in Birkat as Sab, with the most daylight hours, is around June 21st. Conversely, the shortest day of the year, with the fewest daylight hours, is around December 21st.

Seasonal Variations

Birkat as Sab` experiences significant seasonal variations in terms of sunlight exposure. The summer months (June-August) are characterized by long, hot days with abundant sunshine. Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and the high solar radiation levels can create conditions favorable for sunburns and heatstroke. In contrast, the winter months (December-February) are relatively cool and cloudy, with shorter days and less sunlight. Temperatures typically range between 12-20 degrees Celsius (54-68 degrees Fahrenheit), and the lower solar radiation levels provide a more moderate environment.

The Archaeological Site of Moon

The archaeological site of Moon is located near Birkat as Sab`, Egypt, and is renowned for its ancient temple and residential complex dating back to the Greco-Roman period. The site was discovered in the 1990s and has since yielded significant insights into the religious practices and daily life of the people who inhabited the area during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.

The temple at Moon was dedicated to the Egyptian god Khnum and featured a sanctuary, a hall, and an offering chapel. Excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions, that shed light on the rituals performed within the temple. The residential complex adjacent to the temple contained houses, warehouses, and other structures, providing evidence of the everyday lives of the priests and other individuals who served the temple and its occupants.

Moon: A Center of Religious and Social Life

The Moon site showcases the fusion of Egyptian and Hellenistic cultures during the Greco-Roman period. The temple served as a religious center for the local community, where devotees could worship Khnum and participate in ritual practices. The residential complex, with its diverse structures, suggests that the site was also a thriving social hub, where people lived, worked, and interacted with one another. The presence of imported goods and foreign influences at Moon reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Egyptian society during this period, as it interacted with the broader Mediterranean world.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity in Birkat as Sab`, Egypt, varies throughout the year, influenced by the region’s desert climate and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. During the warmest months from June to August, relative humidity averages around 60-70%, creating a somewhat humid atmosphere. This is due to the warm, moist air masses that prevail over the area during this time.

In the cooler months, from December to February, relative humidity drops significantly, averaging around 40-50%. The cold, dry air masses that dominate the region during this period result in a drier atmosphere. The lowest humidity levels, typically around 30-40%, occur during the early morning hours, particularly in January and February.

Absolute Humidity

Absolute humidity in Birkat as Sab` measures the actual amount of water vapor present in the air, regardless of its temperature. It is expressed in grams of water vapor per cubic meter of air. Absolute humidity tends to be higher in the summer months, reflecting the increased evaporation from water bodies due to the higher temperatures. During the warmest months, absolute humidity averages around 13-15 grams per cubic meter.

In contrast, absolute humidity drops during the winter months, reflecting the reduced evaporation. During the coldest months, absolute humidity typically averages around 5-7 grams per cubic meter. The lowest absolute humidity levels are generally observed in the early morning hours, particularly in January and February.

Climate

The predominant climate in Birkat as Sab, Egypt, is characterized by hot, dry summers and moderate winters. Summers in Birkat as Sab, Egypt, are typically hot and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from 35°C to 40°C in July and August. Precipitation is scarce throughout the summer months, with rare showers or thunderstorms. Winters, on the other hand, are milder, with average high temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C in January. Rain is more common during the winter months, but it is still relatively infrequent.

Wind

Wind patterns in Birkat as Sab`, Egypt, are strongly influenced by its location on the northern coast of Africa and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The prevailing wind direction during most of the year is from the northwest, bringing in cool, moist air from the Mediterranean Sea. However, during the summer months, there is an occasional shift in wind direction, with hot, dry winds from the south or southwest bringing in dust and sand from the Sahara Desert. These winds can cause discomfort and can even lead to health problems for people with respiratory issues.

Optimal Season: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November)

The ideal time to visit Birkat as Sab`, Egypt is during the spring and autumn seasons, which offer the best weather conditions. During these months, temperatures are moderate, with average highs ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) and average lows between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The humidity is relatively low, making it comfortable to explore the outdoors. Moreover, spring is the season of wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Summer (June-August)

While summer is the hottest time of year in Birkat as Sab`, it can still be an enjoyable time to visit for those who can tolerate the heat. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F) during the day, with high humidity levels. It is essential to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during these months. However, summer can also be a good time to find discounts on accommodations as fewer tourists visit during this season.

Solar Energy Potential

Birkat as Sab, Egypt, enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar energy development. The area's clear skies and high levels of solar radiation offer a significant opportunity for harnessing this renewable resource. The average solar irradiance in Birkat as Sab is approximately 5.5 kWh/m²/day, which is higher than the global average. This favorable solar profile has attracted the attention of both domestic and international investors, leading to a growing number of solar projects in the region.

Current Developments and Future Prospects

Several large-scale solar power plants have already been established in Birkat as Sab. In 2022, the Zafarana Solar Park, the largest solar power plant in Africa, was inaugurated with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW). This project is playing a crucial role in reducing Egypt's reliance on fossil fuels and increasing its renewable energy share. Additionally, the government has set ambitious targets for further solar energy development in Birkat as Sab. By 2035, the region is expected to have a total installed solar capacity of up to 5 GW. The development of these solar projects is creating new employment opportunities, boosting the local economy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Egypt’s national energy and environmental goals.

Topography and Geological Setting

Birkat as Sab` is located within a depression in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, bounded by the Red Sea Hills and the Nile Valley. The depression is a result of tectonic activity and the erosion of the surrounding mountains. The area is characterized by a complex geological history, with rocks ranging from Precambrian basement to recent Quaternary deposits. The depression is filled with alluvial and lacustrine sediments, and the surrounding hills are composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Landforms

The Birkat as Sab` depression is a flat, arid plain, covered by sand and gravel. The plain is interrupted by a number of hills and mesas, which are composed of more resistant rocks. The largest hill is Gebel Umm Gheig, which rises to a height of 100 meters above the plain. The plain is also crossed by several dry riverbeds, which are known as wadis. The wadis are typically filled with sand and gravel, and they can become impassable during periods of heavy rain. The surrounding hills are steep and rocky, and they are dissected by a number of narrow gorges and canyons.

Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the nearest major airport to Birkat as Sab, Egypt, located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away. It is the largest airport in Egypt and serves as the main hub for EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt. CAI offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, connecting Birkat as Sab to major cities around the world. The airport features modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services. To reach Birkat as Sab` from CAI, travelers can take a taxi, rental car, or public bus.

Borg El Arab International Airport

Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) is another airport serving the Birkat as Sabarea, located approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) away. It is the second-largest airport in Egypt and is located in the city of Alexandria. HBE offers a limited number of domestic and international flights compared to CAI but may provide more convenient access to certain destinations. To reach Birkat as Sab from HBE, travelers can take a taxi, rental car, or public bus. The journey from HBE to Birkat as Sab` takes approximately 2 hours.

Birkat as Sab`, The Birthplace of Al-Fakhar

Birkat as Sab, nestled in the heart of Faiyum Governorate, is renowned as the birthplace of al-fakhar, a type of earthenware that has been crafted in the region for centuries. The town's traditional kilns and workshops form a vibrant hub for artisans, who continue to produce intricate pottery, tiles, and decorative pieces. The rich clay soil of Birkat as Sab provides the ideal raw material for al-fakhar, and the town’s craftsmen possess a deep understanding of the techniques and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

A Thriving Art Form in a Picturesque Setting

Birkat as Sabis a picturesque town where the rhythm of traditional craft blends seamlessly with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The bustling streets lined with workshops and kilns provide a glimpse into the thriving art form that has become synonymous with the town. Amidst the lush greenery and tranquil waters of Lake Birkat as Sab a small island in the center, the town presents a picturesque backdrop that complements the artistry and creativity of its people. Visitors to Birkat as Sab` are welcomed into the homes of local artisans, where they can witness firsthand the creation of al-fakhar and learn about the history and cultural significance of this ancient craft.