'Shakti' weakens into deep depression; indirect impacts expected in Oman

Muscat: The Oman Meteorology Office said the tropical system 'Shakti' over the Arabian Sea has weakened into a deep depression. Latest satellite images show the system is moving southward before it heads eastward towards the middle of the Arabian Sea. 

According to the CAA’s National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, the deep depression is currently about 180 km away from the coasts of South al Sharqiya Governorate. The system is associated with surface wind speeds ranging between 28 and 33 knots.

Forecast and indirect effects

Meteorologists forecast that the system will further weaken into a depression by Tuesday, with wind speeds expected to drop to 17–27 knots. Although direct landfall is not anticipated, indirect impacts are likely to affect Oman’s coasts from Monday to Tuesday.

The Met Office warned of rough sea conditions along coastal areas, with wave heights expected to rise between 2 and 4 metres. This warning applies particularly to South Al Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, and Dhofar governorates, where there is also a risk of seawater inundation over low-lying coastal areas.

Additionally, cloud bands are expected to flow over parts of Oman, bringing scattered rainfall over al Wusta, and South al Sharqiyah governorates.