Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman will experience the first cold wave starting from Friday, December 19, with a noticeable drop in temperatures across most governorates, according to forecasts issued by the Oman Meteorology Office.
The cold wave is expected to hit large parts of the Sultanate of Oman, leading to a significant drop in temperatures, particularly during the night and early morning hours. The weather conditions will continue until Saturday, December 20.
Temperature comparisons between Wednesday, December 17, and the expected readings on Saturday indicate a clear decrease across several areas. In Muscat, temperatures are forecast to drop from 23°C on Wednesday to around 17°C on Saturday, while Haima is expected to see a decline from 17°C to 11°C. In Khasab, temperatures may fall from 20°C to 14°C.
Saiq is forecast to record a decrease from 6°C on Wednesday to as low as 2°C on Saturday. Suhar is expected to see temperatures fall from 21°C to 14°C, while Ibri may drop from 18°C to around 10°C.
Authorities have advised the public to take necessary precautions, especially in colder areas.
Meanwhile, the Met Office said heavy thunderstorm activity accompanied by strong downdraft winds is expected to affect Musandam Governorate on Thursday. Rainfall amounts in Musandam are expected to range between 20 and 60 millimetres, with the potential for flash floods and wadi flows.
The Met Office also reported the possibility of isolated rain and thundershowers affecting Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, North al Batinah, South al Batinah, al Dakhiliyah and Muscat governorates from Thursday evening until Friday evening. Rainfall in these areas is forecast at between 10 and 40 mm, with a risk of flash floods, flowing wadis and fresh downdraft winds.