* Thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rain in Doha and elsewhere
* Thundershowers likely until Monday morning: Met dept

* Emergency teams promptly responded to the situation: MME

* Rain did not affect traffic flow as all main roads and tunnels remained open to traffic: Ashghal

* Noticeable drop in temperature in coming days

Doha and other parts of the country received moderate to heavy rainfall Sunday and thundershowers are expected in the early hours Monday as well, along with strong winds during the day.
The Qatar Met department also issued a warning for thundery rain in offshore areas this morning, besides windy conditions and high seas.


A dazzling display of rain and lights in Doha yesterday evening. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

As thunderstorms were reported from around the country, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) on Sunday tweeted that "rain emergency teams responded instantly to the situation and were trying to drain out water from roads as quickly as possible". It also advised people to stay updated and get information from official accounts only. 

In an earlier tweet, the MME said its rain emergency teams had been deployed at all important points. It provided a list of numbers across all municipalities in the country and said people should "feel free to call the numbers" during any emergency situation, such as water accumulation. "We are at your service 24/7. Stay safe," it added.
The numbers are available on the MME's Twitter page. On its part, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said Sunday's rain did not affect traffic flow as all main roads and tunnels remained open to traffic.
As had been forecast, parts of the country -- especially those in the north and west -- started experiencing thunderstorms and rain from Sunday morning. As the day progressed, the unsettled weather conditions covered more areas around the country and sunny conditions were replaced by dark skies in Doha and other places by the afternoon. 
The showers gained momentum in the city by early in the evening, accompanied by strong winds and thunderclaps, while visibility dropped in some places due to the prevailing conditions.
The Met department later tweeted that the Abu Hamour area of Doha had received a total of 29.1mm of rain until 9pm Sunday.
While the situation was better on major roads and streets, residents said a number of internal roads were waterlogged after the downpour. These included roads in the Mansoura and Hilal areas of Doha, according to sources.
The Met department, Ministry of Interior, MME and Ashghal issued advisories on social media urging people to stay safe during thunderstorms, drive with caution and avoid marine activities in view of the prevailing conditions. HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie and Ashghal president Saad bin Ahmed al-Muhannadi visited the rain emergency room to follow up on the preparedness of the teams concerned and monitor the situation on main roads and underpasses, Ashghal tweeted.
Meanwhile, the Met department said northwesterly winds were expected to begin affecting the country and lead to a noticeable drop (4-6C) in temperature in the coming days.


Monday's detailed forecast says it will be cloudy in the early hours and there is a chance of rain, which may be thundery in some places. This will be followed by partly cloudy and mild daytime conditions, and it will also be relatively cold by night.
Cloudy conditions have been forecast in offshore areas, too, along with scattered rain, which may be accompanied by thunder at first.
The wind speed may go up, at times, to 38 knots offshore and 28 knots inshore, with the sea level rising to 15ft.
The minimum temperature expected in the country Monday is 18C in Dukhan and Abu Samra, 19C in Ruwais and 20C in Doha, Wakrah, Al Khor and Mesaieed. The maximum, on the other hand, will be 27C in Doha and Abu Samra, 26C in Wakrah and Mesaieed, 25C in Al Khor, 24C in Ruwais and 23C in Dukhan.
On Sunday, the minimum temperature was 20C in Sheehaniya, while Doha recorded a low of 21C.