Qatar is bracing for adverse weather conditions as strong northwesterly winds continue to sweep across the region, bringing dust and cooler temperatures. According to the Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD), these weather phenomena are expected to persist over the next couple of days, impacting daily activities and visibility.
On February 7, the visibility dropped below 2 kilometers due to slight dust and blowing dust observed over many areas. The weather report indicated a relatively cold evening with occasional blowing dust at times, making conditions less than ideal for outdoor activities. Strong winds have predicted gusts reaching up to 28 knots, significantly affecting visibility and overall safety.
"Weather inshore tonight until 6am tomorrow is expected to remain quite dusty, with occasional blowing dust at places at times," the QMD stated as they warned residents about the strong winds and poor visibility. The expected wind speed is projected to range from 10 to 20 knots, which will escalate as gusts reach up to 28 knots at times.
Marine conditions mirror the land as offshore areas are likely to experience similar dusty conditions, alongside partly cloudy skies and potential light rain. The QMD has emphasized the need for caution due to high sea states, reporting waves between 4 to 7 feet, which can escalate to 10 feet at times. The sea state poses risks for maritime activities, and residents are advised to refrain from venturing out under such conditions.
Come February 8, the situation won't improve much; strong winds and high sea conditions are forecasted to continue. The land temperatures will hover between 17°C and 21°C, creating uncomfortable conditions especially during the night when it can feel quite chilly. The department noted temperatures dropping significantly, with the southern region, recorded at Sudanthile, experiencing the lowest temperature this morning at 13°C.
"Weather inshore until Saturday evening will be relatively cold, with slight dust at places and quite cold by night, warning of strong wind at places at first," the daily weather report from QMD warned. Coastal areas will see winds blowing northwesterly at similar speeds of 8 to 18 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots, indicating maintained caution is required for both land and marine operations.
Residents have been urged to stay updated with the latest weather reports, especially if they are planning to travel or engage in outdoor activities over the weekend. The visibility is likely to remain low, ranging from 4 to 10 kilometers, which can complicate driving and other transit-related activities.
The combination of blowing dust, strong winds, and dropping temperatures presents challenges not only to visibility on the roads but also raises concerns for those with respiratory issues and allergies. People are advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak dust conditions to prevent health complications.
While Qatar is no stranger to fluctuative weather patterns, these adverse conditions have prompted the QMD to advise caution and vigilance. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing real-time updates as the weather evolves through the weekend.