Muscat: A senior official from Oman Meteorology said that climate change has contributed to extreme weather conditions in the Sultanate of Oman, including rising water temperatures in the Arabian Sea.
Abdullah Al Khaduri, Director General of Meteorology, speaking in a panel discussion, highlighted that the formation of weather conditions and hurricanes in the Arabian Sea has increased compared to the Bay of Bengal over the last 15 years. This change is attributed to rising temperatures and thermal heating of the water surface, as documented by numerous studies.
On Saturday, many areas across the Sultanate recorded temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. The Arabian Sea has experienced a rise in temperature by one degree Celsius, leading to an increase in water vapor and atmospheric humidity by 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. This contributes to the availability of renewable moisture sources in the atmosphere.
Al Khaduri emphasized that not all weather conditions formed in the Arabian Sea impact Oman, despite the recent increase in hurricanes affecting the country. He noted that Oman has long been aware of these effects and has initiated various measures to study the impact of weather conditions and to mitigate potential losses, collaborating with all relevant parties.
He explained that climate change presents several patterns without a specific, fixed trend. Oman experiences extreme temperatures at times, and very low temperatures at others. While it cannot be conclusively said that there is an increase in rainfall, what is observed is extreme precipitation.
Al Khaduri also pointed out that Oman is a leading nation in addressing climate change and reducing disaster losses. However, some personal actions contribute to losses, prompting authorities to foster a culture of safe behavior across society. Public awareness campaigns are implemented to educate the populace about risk management.
Additionally, Al Khaduri stressed the importance of each entity having an approved crisis management plan. These plans should be clear and operational, ensuring readiness to make informed decisions at the appropriate times.
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