Strong winds and dusty conditions to affect Qatar until Sunday

In a recent tweet by the Met department of Qatar, it was revealed that the country will face a spell of strong winds and dusty conditions over the coming days, especially peaking on Saturday and Sunday.

The mercury level is expected to rise to the mid-40s in the central parts of the country today and tomorrow before dropping to the mid-30s across Qatar on Saturday and Sunday due to northerly winds, according to the weather office. 

توقعات بهبوب رياح شمالية غربية نشطة إلى قوية السرعة .#قطر
Forecast for fresh to strong northwesterly winds.#Qatar pic.twitter.com/Ilobif7AaF

— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) May 11, 2016

According to Gulf Times, the Met department said in a report yesterday that an extension of a high-pressure ridge was expected to affect the country between today evening and Sunday (May 15), to be accompanied by fresh to strong northwesterly winds and dusty skies. 

The wind speed is likely to increase gradually, reaching its peak on Saturday and Sunday, when it will range between 18 and 25 knots, going up to 35 knots at times. This will result in blowing dust and a drop in visibility to 2km or less in some areas, the report states. 

Sea warnings will also be in effect for strong winds and high waves, measuring 6-9ft.

The department has urged people to remain cautious during the period of strong winds and low visibility and avoid venturing into the sea.

Meanwhile, today’s forecast for inshore areas says it will be hot during the day and partly cloudy at times. There is also a chance of light scattered rain. Al Ruwais and Abu Samra are among the places where it may rain today. 

Offshore areas will see hazy conditions with some clouds.

A maximum temperature of 41C is expected in Abu Samra and Dukhan today, followed by 40C in Doha and Al Khor and 38C in Messaied, Wakrah and Al Ruwais.

The Met department has advised people to follow latest weather updates through its official social media accounts.

(Cover image courtesy: Stewart Lacey)