Strong north-westerly winds sweeping into the country caused a steep fall in temperature in Qatar yesterday. A comparative difference of 4 to 5 degrees will be seen until tomorrow evening, according to experts.
Yesterday, the recorded temperature in Doha was between 21 and 14 degree Celsius, while on Monday the temperature recorded in the city was between 24 and 20 degree Celsius.
A similar dip in mercury was observed throughout the country. “The fall in temperature is due to an expansion of cold air mass from the north over the Arabian peninsula. We are currently having a temperature decrease of 4 to 5 degree Celsius, but this will become better by Thursday evening,” Abdullah Mohammed Al Mannai, Acting Director of the Department of Meteorology, Civil Aviation Authority, told The Peninsula.
Within Doha, the maximum temperature will be between 18 to 21 degree Celsius and minimum between 12 to 14 degree Celsius during the period. Outside the city, the temperature is expected to fall less than 10 degree in open areas and southern regions of the country. However the wind-chill factor will make the climate feel like colder.
Today, during daytime, the weather will be mild with the blowing of dust at places, and will be relatively cold by night. Strong winds are expected inshore and offshore and sea will be choppy. The north-westerly winds will blow at 5 to 15 knots, at times going up to 18 knots on land and 28 knots in the sea. With strong north-westerly winds causing high waves, the weather bureau has urged all to avoid sea activities until this evening. The visibility will be between 4 to 8 km.
The maximum temperature in Doha and Al Khor will be 21 degrees and the minimum will be 14 degree Celsius, today. The temperature will range between 21 and 12 degree Celsius in Messaieed and Al Wakrah, while in Dukhan the temperature will be between 18 and 13 degrees.
“By Thursday evening, the weather is expected to settle and the temperature will bounce back to the normal. This year, so far we haven’t seen any abnormal change in temperature. The temperature differences seen are within the average for the month,” Al Mannai said.
The weather bureau has issued warnings of strong winds and high seas, and has urged public to refrain from sea activity until tomorrow evening.
