Marking the beginning of winter, strong northwesterly winds are expected to hit the country from tomorrow until Monday causing a sudden fall in temperature, according to the Meteorology Department.
During this period, temperature could drop to as low as 14 degrees in the city. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 22-26°C and minimum between 14-18°C in Doha and even less in outer areas, said the Department.
This period coincides with the beginning of the phase locally called Al-Marbaniah, which is considered the beginning of winter starting from December 7 and lasting for about 40 days.
During Al Marbaniah , cold weather conditions, clouds and rain prevail over the Arabian Peninsula as temperatures drop considerably especially at night. In the past, Arabs used to associate seeing a star called Al-Ekhleel with the beginning of Al Marbaniah. Strong northwesterly winds are common during Al-Marbaniah.
“The country would be affected by an extension of a high pressure accompanied with northwesterly fresh to strong winds lasting until December 12 and reaching its peak on Friday and Saturday,” said a statement issued by the Department.
Inshore winds are expected to range between 15-25/35knot and visibility may reduce to three kilometre or less over some areas due to blowing dust. Winds may reach 40 knots offshore with wave heights rising more than 14 feet in the north.
The northerly winds will be accompanied with a noticeable drop in temperatures with a greater feeling of cold due to fresh winds. Strong winds that the country has been experiencing since yesterday would subside by this evening, to return tomorrow.
