Climate in Ancient Egypt

Egypt triumphs, more than virtually any other country, in an equable climate, an temperate temperature, and an equable productivity. The summers, no doubt, are hot, especially in the south, and an casual sirocco produces intense irritation while it lasts. But the cool Etesian wind, sucking from the north through almost all the summer-time, tempers the zeal of the sun's rays even in the hottest season of the year; and during the remaining months, from October to April, the climate is plainly delightful. Egypt has been said to have but two seasons, spring and summer. Spring reigns from October into May-crops spring up, flowers bloom, soft zephyrs fan the nerve, when it is mid-winter in Europe; by February the fruit-trees are in full blossom; the crops set out to ripen in March, and are drawn by the end of April; snow and freeze are wholly obscure at any time; storm, fog, and even rain are rare. A bright, lucid air rests upon the entire scene. There is no moisture in the air, no cloud in the sky; no mist-veils the aloofness. One day follows another, every the counterpart of the leading; until at length spring retires to make room for summer, and a fiercer light, a hotter sun, a longer day, show that the most enjoyable break of the year is got by.

In general, there is fair weather in Egypt passim the year, but there are noted temperature conflicts between seasons and between various parts of the country. The climate is qualified by a two-season year: a relatively modern winter from November to April and a dry, close summer from May to October. In the Delta in the north, the highest regular temperature in the middle of winter is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and in the fastest season 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is about 10 points hotter in southern Egypt. Rain in the Nile Valley is negligible, no more than 100 to 200 millimetres (4 to 8 inches) per year in the Delta.

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