Qatar could experience its coldest days so far this winter during the coming weekend, according to the Met department.

The weather office said in a report on Tuesday that the expected cold spell will see the temperature drop below 8C in some places, and the northwesterly winds will add to the chill factor and make it feel even colder.

The country witnessed a sharp drop in temperature last weekend due to strong northwesterly winds, but the mercury level gradually crept up after that to reach 29C on Tuesday.

But things are likely to change again this weekend as the Met department has said northwesterly fresh to strong winds will affect most areas from Thursday until Saturday (January 19). The wind speed will range from 18 to 28 knots, going up to 38 knots in some places, especially on Thursday and Friday.

This will result in dusty conditions at times, bringing down visibility to below 2km in some areas. At the same time, the wave height is expected to range between 7ft and 10ft, reaching a high of 15ft, the report states.

The northwesterly winds will be accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperature, which will return to the average levels for this time of the year. The maximum is expected to range from 16C to 20C and the minimum from 10C to 14C, dropping below 8C in the southern and some external areas.

“This cold spell is expected to be the coldest so far this season, enhanced by the wind chill effect that will make it feel even colder,” the report said.

The Met department has advised people to be cautious, avoid going to sea and stay tuned for latest updates.

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