The weather bureau expects cooler days ahead with temperatures expected to fall by 5 to 10 degrees from tomorrow until Friday. Strong northwesterly winds expected to blow starting tomorrow afternoon would bring down the mercury.
Over the past few days the day temperature in various parts of the country reached above 30 degree Celsius, much above the usual average temperature for the period.
“Starting tomorrow afternoon, the country will be affected by an extension of a high atmospheric pressure system which will last until the end of the week. This will result in fresh to strong northwesterly winds reaching its peak on Thursday and Friday,” said a statement.
January normally is the coldest month of the year. The highest temperature registered during the month is 32.4 degree Celsius in 2015 and lowest at 3.8 degree Celsius registered in 1964. The daily average temperature in Doha for the month is 17.5 degree Celsius, the Meteorology Department’s climate records show.
Today, the bureau expects hazy to foggy conditions resulting in poor visibility at first with moderate daytime temperature. The temperature in Doha will be between 27 and 18 degrees Celsius. Outside the city, the temperature will be between 26 to 22 degree Celsius during day time falling between 17 to 13 degrees at night.
From tomorrow, temperatures are expected to drop gradually after being above average in the past few days.
In Doha, the maximum temperature is expected to fall between 24 to 20 degree Celsius, while the minimum temperature will range between 16 to 12 degree Celsius, during the period. Outside the city, along with substantial temperature drop, the expected windy conditions will give greater feeling of cold, according to the weather bureau.
The fall in temperature is due to the North-westerly fresh to strong winds expected to affect the country, due to changes in atmospheric pressure.
The wind speeds are expected to range between 15 to 25 knots going up to 35 knots gust inshore. The strong winds are expected to blow dust at times with visibility falling to 3 km or less especially in open areas. Meanwhile, stronger winds are expected offshore ranging between 20 to 35 knots with gusts reaching 40 knots with wave heights rising to 15 feet in the north.
QMD has urged all to be cautious and avoid any sea activities during this period. It has also advised all to follow latest updates and warnings through various social media accounts.
