Rain, thunderstorms expected in Oman

The Oman Meteorological Office forecasts the advection of high and medium clouds, bringing rain to most governorates on Wednesday. There is a chance of convective cloud development and isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon, particularly over parts of the Al Hajar Mountains and neighbouring areas.

Along the east coast of Musandam and coastal areas of the Oman Sea and Arabian Sea, there may be low clouds or fog patches late at night to early morning.

During the thunderstorms, thundershowers with rainfall ranging between 10 to 50 mm are anticipated in Al Hajar and surrounding areas, including Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, South Al Batinah, North Al Sharqiyah, South Al Sharqiyah and Al Buraimi. Downdraft winds could reach speeds of 15 to 35 Kt.

The Civil Aviation Authority urges the public to take precautions, especially regarding children, by keeping them away from flowing wadis and puddles and not leaving them unattended during the rain.

Authorities have also issued warnings against crossing running wadis, swimming and venturing into low-lying areas during rainfall.

Earlier in the week, the Oman Met Office announced the expected impact of an upper air trough from June 28 to July 1. As a result, temperatures are anticipated to range between 35 to 45°C.

Additionally, partly cloudy skies are predicted along the coastal areas of the Dhofar Governorate and adjoining mountains, with a chance of intermittent drizzle.

On Tuesday, cumulus clouds formed over parts of Al Hajar Mountains, suggesting the possibility of their expansion and the occurrence of precipitation with varying intensity. These conditions were accompanied by active downward winds and hailstones. By late afternoon, thunder cells expanded, leading to varied-intensity rainfall in interior and northeastern regions of Oman. Cumulus cloud activity and varying-intensity rain were observed in the middle of Al Hajar Mountains, affecting parts of Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah, resulting in flowing wadis.