A cooler weekend is in store as the Qatar Met department has said strong northwesterly winds from Thursday until Saturday will lead to a significant drop in temperature.

High waves and dusty conditions have also been forecast during this period.

The weather office has urged people to be cautious and avoid going to the sea in view of the expected conditions, while also advising them to follow latest updates through its official social media accounts.

In a report on Tuesday, the Met department said a “ridge of high pressure” is expected to affect the country from dawn Thursday until Saturday (January 12). It will be accompanied by “fresh to strong” northwesterly winds.

These conditions will result in high waves and rising dust, especially in open areas, as well as a significant drop in temperature. The mercury level will go down by about 4-6C compared to the previous days, the report states.

The maximum temperature in Doha is expected to drop to 22C and the minimum to 15C during this period. Also, the minimum temperature may drop to below 10C in the southern parts of the country.

The report also points out that the “apparent temperature” will be lower due to the “wind chill effect”, and cold conditions will prevail in the country – particularly at night and early in the morning.

According to information available online, “apparent temperature” is the temperature equivalent perceived by humans, caused by the combined effects of air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed.

Offshore, the wave height is expected to range from 4ft to 8ft during the above-mentioned period, going up to 13ft at times.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s forecast says strong winds are expected by late tonight, while poor visibility is likely in most areas in the morning.

Also, strong winds and high seas towards the north have been forecast in offshore areas on Wednesday, with poor visibility prevailing in some places in the early hours of the day. The wind speed may go up to 12-22 knots by late at night in inshore areas and 15-25 knots in offshore areas towards the north.

The forecast also says it will be misty to foggy in most places by this morning, and relatively cold by night. Visibility may drop to less than 2km in the morning.

The minimum temperature expected in the country on Wednesday is 14C in Al Khor, while in Doha it will be 18C. The maximum, on the other hand, will be 28C in Doha and Abu Samra.

Tuesday, the minimum temperature was 14C in Al Khor and 18C in Doha.

Related Story