DOHA: Residents and seafarers are advised to brace for unsettled weather conditions as the Meteorology Department issued a warning of thundery rain and strong winds expected in Qatar on Monday.
According to the department's daily weather report, inshore areas will experience haziness initially, followed by scattered clouds, with the likelihood of the sky becoming overcast as the day progresses. Blowing dust is also anticipated, with a chance of rain, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas by nightfall. The report underscores the potential for sudden strong winds and diminished visibility due to the anticipated thundery rain.
Offshore, similar conditions are expected, with scattered clouds giving way to cloudy skies and a possibility of rain, potentially thundery, by night. Mariners are cautioned about the likelihood of encountering thundery rain, strong winds, and high seas during the nighttime hours.
Wind patterns are forecasted to be predominantly northeasterly to southeasterly inshore, with speeds ranging from 8 to 18 knots, gusting up to 38 knots during thundery rain. Offshore, variable winds will transition to southeasterly to northeasterly, maintaining speeds of 8 to 18 knots, with gusts reaching 40 knots during thundery conditions.
Visibility is expected to be reduced to 4 to 9 kilometers or less inshore, and 4 to 8 kilometers or less offshore, particularly during thundery rain.
Sea conditions are predicted to be moderate, with waves reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet inshore and 3 to 5 feet offshore. However, during thundery rain, sea states may become rougher, rising to 4 feet inshore and up to 11 feet offshore.
As Qatar prepares for the onset of adverse weather, the public is urged to exercise caution, particularly while commuting or engaging in maritime activities, and stay updated on further advisories issued by the Meteorology Department.
