Muscat: The overcast sky was prominent upon landing of flights at the Muscat International Airport on Sunday morning. Passengers felt the heaviness of dust and humidity on their arrival.
Oman Met Office had sounded about the possibilities for active downward winds ranging between 15-30 knots over Al Wusta Governorate, which may lead to the rise of dust and a decrease in horizontal visibility on the road connecting the Dhofar and Al Dakhiliyah governorates. Similar conditions are expected on Monday also.
The weather condition is significant, especially for road users heading to Dhofar for the Khareef season and those who are returning back.
The impact of the active downward winds that caused a decrease in horizontal visibility and the rise of dust and dirt was experienced throughout the Hajar Mountains.
An advisory was released with possible thunderstorms for Samayil, Jabal Shams, Ibri, Al Hamra, Bahla, Izki, Nizwa, Hamra Al Duru and Al Mudhaibi. Adam, Fahud, Qarn Alam, Haima, Maqshin, Marmul and Thamrait are in line with the dust storm.
On the other hand, early morning satellite images on Sunday showed the continued flow of high and medium clouds over the northern and central governorates.
There had been a good condensation of monsoon clouds over the Dhofar Governorate, bringing in sporadic rain in the mountains and deserts.
The Oman Met Office also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by active downwind on the Hajar Mountains, including Al Sharqiyah South, Al Sharqiyah North, Al Batinah South, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah, as well as adjacent areas, and the extension of cumulus clouds to desert areas further in the day lasting from 1 pm to 10 pm. The rainfall could range between 10 - 25 mm.
On Monday, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy skies along the coastal areas of Dhofar Governorate and adjoining mountains with intermittent drizzle and chances of isolated rain over mountain and desert areas. The chance of convective cloud development could lead to isolated rain and occasionally thundershowers over Al Hajar Mountains and adjoining areas. Chances of low clouds also continue with late night to early morning low clouds along parts of coastal areas of the Arabian Sea and the Oman Sea. The chance of dust rising over the desert areas is also expected on Monday.
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