Strong winds are expected in parts of Qatar today after dusty conditions prevailed around the country and led to a sharp drop in visibility yesterday evening.
Offshore areas, too, are likely to see strong winds and high seas today, the Met department said.
Yesterday afternoon, the Met department issued a notice on social media, stating that satellite images showed a band of dust moving from the northern Arabian Gulf towards Qatar. Though it was likely to weaken gradually as it approached the country, it would still bring down visibility to 2km or less in some areas, according to the notice.
Hours later, a shroud of dust enveloped Doha and other parts of the country, resulting in visibility of less than 1km at a number of places, the weather office tweeted.
The office also issued a safety advisory, prepared in co-operation with the Ministry of Public Health, in view of the prevailing dusty conditions and urged motorists to drive safely, especially along the highways. At the same time, it observed that the dust was expected to dissipate gradually by this morning.
Northwesterly fresh to strong winds are expected to continue blowing until Monday along with warnings for high waves in offshore areas, the weather office informed.
Meanwhile, today’s detailed forecast states that the wind speed may reach a high of 25 knots and 28 knots in inshore and offshore areas, respectively, with the sea level rising to 9ft at times.
Moderate temperatures and some clouds are forecast in inshore areas, along with slight to blowing dust in some places and a cold night. Dusty conditions are also likely in offshore areas at times.
Today, a minimum temperature of 14C is expected in Mesaieed and Wakrah, followed by 15C in Al Khor, Dukhan and Abu Samra, 16C in Ruwais and 18C in Doha.
A scene at Al Waab Street in Doha. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed
