* Cold spell may last several days 

* Maximum temperature may drop to 14C and minimum to 5C
* Scattered rain, strong winds expected Thursday



A cold spell is expected to affect the country from Sunday and continue for several days, the Qatar Met department has said.

The minimum temperature may drop to 5C and the maximum to 14C during this period, according to the weather office.

The department has also issued a warning for strong winds in some places on Thursday and there is a chance of scattered rain, while thundershowers are likely in offshore areas towards the north.

In a report issued on Wednesday, the Met department said "a cold spell is expected to affect the country from Sunday, January 26, lasting for several days, due to the extension of a high-pressure system over the region".

It will be accompanied by northwesterly fresh to strong winds, especially on Sunday and Monday (January 27), when the wind speed is expected to range between 15 knots and 25 knots and reaching a high of 30 knots inshore and 40 knots offshore.

This, in turn, will cause blowing dust and poor visibility of below 3km in some areas, the report states.

The maximum temperature is expected to drop during the cold spell, ranging from 14-17C, while the minimum will be from 5-12C across the country. The forecast also states that the 'felt temperature' will be lower than this due to windy conditions.

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

The Met department has urged people to take extra care in view of the expected conditions, avoid all marine activities and follow latest updates through its official social media accounts.

Meanwhile, today's forecast says strong winds are expected in some places. Conditions will be partly cloudy to cloudy and there is a chance of scattered rain and slight to blowing dust at times. It will be cold by night.

Thundery rain has been forecast in offshore areas towards the north, along with strong winds and high seas.

The wind speed may go up to 35 knots offshore and 25 knots inshore on Thursday, with the sea level rising to 12ft at times.

The minimum temperature on Thursday is expected to be 11C in Abu Samra, 13C in Dukhan, 14C in Wakrah, Mesaieed and Al Khor, and 15C in Doha and Ruwais. The maximum, on the other hand, will range from 18C in Dukhan to 21C in Doha and other places.

Wednesday, a minimum temperature of 11C was recorded in Abu Samra and Sheehaniyah, while in Doha (airport area) it was 15C. The maximum ranged from 22C to 28C around the country, and Doha recorded a high of 23C.


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