Cold wave with strong winds hits Oman as Jabel Shams temperature drops to -2°C

Muscat, Jan 22
A sudden fall in temperatures across most governorates, accompanied by strong winds which began on Thursday is expected to continue in the coming days due cold air mass over Oman.
Over the past 24 hours, Jabal Shams recorded the lowest reading at minus 2.1 degrees Celsius. Other mountainous and interior regions experienced similarly frigid conditions, with Saiq dropping to 6.3°C, Al Sinainah to 9.9°C, and Yanqul to 10.2°C. Al Buraimi, Mahadha , Dhank, Hamra Al Droua, Ibri, Fahud and Bahla all saw temperatures ranging between 10.5°C and 12.6°C.
Residents in Muscat and other regions have experienced powerful gusts that have dramatically reduced visibility in several areas.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warned that the weather conditions may lead to reduced visibility in some areas as well as rough sea conditions along various coastal regions due to increased wind activity.
The Royal Oman Police cautioned motorists travelling on Sultan Said bin Taimour Road between Haima and Adam, where strong winds have created dangerous sand accumulations that compromise visibility. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and follow all safety guidelines.
Satellite images showed the spread of dust over south of Iran and the Arabian Sea moving towards the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea.
'It is expected that the northern provinces will be gradually affected during the coming period, accompanied by a decrease in horizontal visibility,' stated the Met Office.
The flow of clouds was observed over parts of Al Buraimi Governorate and there was formation of fog or low clouds over parts of the Eastern and Central Governorates.
Northeasterly moderate to fresh wind is expected over the Arabian Sea Coast and rest of the governorates are expected to be northwesterly to variable light to moderate.
The sea condition is expected to be moderate to rough along the Arabian Sea coastal areas with maximum wave height of 3 metres, and slight to moderate along the rest of the coasts with maximum wave height of 2.5 metres.
Mainly clear skies with high clouds advection with a chance of low clouds is expected on Friday over parts of Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates.
Several meteorological stations recorded strong wind gusts as of 10:00 am, including 26 knots in Muscat and Fahud, 31 knots in Ibri, 23 knots in Mukhaizna and 21 knots in both Haima and mountainous areas.