Climatology and Dynamical Evolution of Extreme Rainfall Events in the Sinai Peninsula—Egypt

Abstract

The whole Mediterranean is suffering today because of climate changes, with projections of more severe impacts predicted for the coming decades. Egypt, on the southeastern flank of the Mediterranean Sea, is facing many challenges for water and food security, further exacerbated by the arid climate conditions. The Nile River represents the largest freshwater resource for the country, with a minor contribution coming from rainfall and from non-renewable groundwater aquifers. In more recent years, another important source is represented by non-conventional sources, such as treated wastewater reuse and desalination; these water resources are increasingly becoming valuable additional contributors to water availability. Moreover, although rainfall is scarce in Egypt, studies have shown that rainfall and flash floods can become an additional available source of water in the future. While presently rare, heavy rainfalls and flash floods are responsible for huge losses of lives and infrastructure especially in parts of the country, such as in the Sinai Peninsula. Despite the harsh climate, water from these events, when opportunely conveyed and treated, can represent a precious source of freshwater for small communities of Bedouins. In this work, rainfall climatology and flash flood events are presented, together with a discussion about the dynamics of some selected episodes and indications about future climate scenarios. Results can be used to evaluate the water harvesting potential in a region where water is scarce, also providing indications for improving the weather forecast. Basic information needed for identifying possible risks for population and infrastructures, when fed into hydrological models, could help to evaluate the flash flood water volumes at the outlets of the effective watershed(s). This valuable information will help policymakers and local governments to define strategies and measures for water harvesting and/or protection works.

Ecohydrology and flood risk management under climate vulnerability in relation to the sustainable development goals (SDGs): a case study in Nagaa Mobarak Village, Egypt

“…Rainwater infiltration and evaporation were also considered during channel design. Based on the weather conditions in the study area, the evapotranspiration rate was assumed to be 5 mm/day (Baldi et al 2020). Subsurface storage depends mainly on the soil type, which is classified as cultivated sandy clay with an infiltration rate of 6.5 mm/h in the study area (Mangala et al 2016).…”

Assessment of Some Different Methods of Classifying Land Suitability for Crop Cultivation, Central Sinai, Egypt

“…According to (Omran, 2017), the northern strip of Sinai receives maximum precipitation during the winter (200 to 300 mm/year), and this quantity decreases towards the south (25 mm/year). In parched zones, for example, Sinai in Egypt, precipitation is mostly brought about by gust line and convective cloud instruments and by low-force frontal downpour, causing storm floods (El Afandi, et al, 2013) and (Baldi, et al, 2020).…”

Guideline for Atlas Flash Floods

“…The recent huge event, which occurred in March 2020, was classified as the most severe storm during the past three decades after the 1994 storm, although the extent of this storm was greater, as it covered many areas of Egypt's governorates. This episode forced authorities to close offices, schools, highways, and warned people to stay at home [13].…”