Places such as Haima reported 46.9°C, Ibri 47.8°C, Amerat 46.9°C, and Fahud 48.8°C in the last 24 hours, while Duqm 26.9°C, Ashkhaara 26.2°C, Ras al Hadd 25.6°C, and Dhalkut 23.7°C reported the lowest temperatures during the same period.
Several citizens and vacationers returned to the capital to report to work from villages on Saturday evening.
While the Khareef season officially started in the Dhofar Governorate, several visitors from Muscat to the region said that the temperatures were slightly moderate compared to other parts of the country at the time. "Naturally, temperatures are expected to come down with occasional rains in the coming days, but otherwise it was bearable and relatively pleasant compared to the heatwave that is witnessed in the capital and other neighboring cities."
While officegoers return to work, a large chunk of expatriate families have gone on annual vacations, with schools closed during the summer holidays.
Most expatriates with schoolgoing children have tagged their vacation with annual leave to avail themselves of a lengthy break, according to HR managers of some private sector companies.
Several citizens who have been exploring foreign trips to cooler places cited various challenges. "Several countries in Europe have become expensive due to taxes and inflation. Some countries are also witnessing temperatures, that are very high compared to their usual levels," said Hassan, an IT manager who plans to travel abroad next month.
It may be noted that local municipalities, in coordination with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), arranged special facilities for parking, restrooms, and restaurants at various tourist sites during the holidays.
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