Rains and strong winds likely in northern areas

The National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre issued a weather alert on Sunday stating the low pressure system in India could affect the Sultanate of Oman this week.

By late afternoon on Sunday, rains of varying intensity accompanied by active wind was reported over parts of the governorates of South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, Muscat and Al Dhahirah.

According to Oman Met Office, there is continuous expansion and extension of formations on Al Hajr Mountains. Since Saturday evening, there have been formations and expansion of cumulus clouds and scattered rains over the mountainous areas of the governorates South Al Batinah, North Al Sharqiyah, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahira.

In addition, the numerical models taken during afternoon and evening showed that the active downward winds were ranging between 15-30 knots that is 30 to 60 km/h.

There have been continuous alerts from Oman Met Office on chances of thunderstorms with varying intensity of rainfall over Hajr Mountains, specifically on the mountainous areas located in the governorates of North Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah, North Al Sharqiyah and South Al Sharqiyah. The impact is expected to include the plains and deserts of Al Dhahirah and Al Dakhiliyah governorates. The expected rainfall is between 10 and 40 mm associated with hail which may lead to the flow of wadis.

The weather maps and analysis of the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre indicated that the Sultanate of Oman will be affected on Tuesday and Wednesday by an extension of low pressure system from India.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the effect could start gradually, said Oman Met Office, “over northern governorates by the extension of low pressure system.”

Chances of thunderstorms have been forecast during this period for the governorates of South Al Sharqiyah, Muscat, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, North Al Sharqiyah and Musandam.