It only rains in Cairo a few times a year, mostly in the winter months. I knew that when I washed my (many) windows, I’d likely have to do it again soon because we are coming to the khamseen season (sandstorms) I did not however expect it to rain two days later. I really should have expected it though because really, isn’t it always the way? I remember when I was younger it always seemed like the best way to invite rain was to wash your car. Rain in Cairo is not cleansing in the least. It never really rains hard enough to wash away the accumulated dust – it only drips enough to carry the dust in the air and on the trees to the objects below. The worst place to stand when it rains is under a tree! Get caught in the rain here and you’ll need a shower when you get home. Having said all that, imagine the dirty drop marks on my once clean windows…
It dripped on and off all day long yesterday, and then late in the day it started to look very dark and gloomy. Lightening started to flash and then suddenly it started to rain really loudly. Hail!
The hail was pea-sized, not that impressive in general hail terms, but mighty impressive in Cairo-terms!
Even as I rushed around to turn off all the computers because of the lightening, I grabbed my camera to take a few pictures (my daughter was not happy with me for opening the door at such a time!)
If snow in Texas and hail in Cairo doesn’t point to changes in the climate, I don’t know what does…
Impressive hail!
Snow Day, here. Again.
by Susan February 26th, 2010 at 10:39 amWow! Hail in Cairo. Weird weather everywhere, I guess!
by anny cook March 4th, 2010 at 2:12 pm