More rain, strong winds predicted

By Ramesh Mathew/ReporterSeveral parts of the country experienced rains, accompanied by light to moderate winds in the afternoon yesterday.The weather office forecast similar conditions for the next 24 to 36 hours with fairly good chances for strong winds, in particular in the offshore areas, where the forecasters expected it to go 25 knots or more today and tomorrow.Reports received from across the country yesterday said many areas both in north and south received reasonably good rain in the afternoon.Passengers travelling on the Shamal Expressway said poor visibility coupled with rains made journey difficult during rush hour in Doha and surrounding areas. Some of the inmates of labour accommodations complained of water-logging in camps in Ras Laffan and surrounding areas.With the chances of rain appearing quite bright for the next 24 hours, the whole country is praying for favourable climatic conditions in the morning tomorrow when the Qatar National Day parade is slated to take place on the Corniche. A Met official said the chances of rain before noon on Monday are quite strong and the sky would continue to be cloudy. The official said warning has been issued to fishermen against venturing out in sea as strong winds of 25 knots or above are expected to hit the seas. On the onshore areas, it would be hovering around 15 knots, said the Met official. Some of the fishermen yesterday said the offshore areas received good rains even in the morning.They said even though caution has been issued, the wind on the offshore areas is not all that strong as reported. “However, we have decided to confine ourselves indoors in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said a fisherman.