Event-based rainfall analysis in Sinai, Egypt

This study investigates event-based rainfall characteristics in Sinai (Egypt) using hourly precipitation data from the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP). A hierarchical cluster analysis of a 19-year dataset (2003–2021) identified five regions in Sinai. Distinct storms were identified using a minimum inter-event time of 5 h. The analysis of storm characteristics revealed that rainfall events in Sinai last from 1.7 to 3.6 h, with a mean storm volume of 6.4 mm. Rainfall intensity ranges from 1.7 to 4 mm/h, and the average dry period duration is 34 days. The northern region has the highest frequency of storms (25 events/year). The Weibull distribution was found to fit the best for all rainfall characteristics except for intensity, which was best represented by the generalized extreme value distribution. This study provides valuable insights about rainfall events in Sinai that can be applied to improve flood mitigation strategies and water resources management.