Heavy rainfall alert issued across Oman, Muscat among high-impact areas

Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a detailed weather alert warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and associated hazards across several parts of the Sultanate, with Muscat among the areas expected to be significantly affected.

According to the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, the alert (No. 6) was issued at 8:30 pm on Tuesday and will remain in effect from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on Wednesday. The warning highlights the continued impact of an active weather system, with heavy thunderstorms expected to persist through the morning and intensify later in the day.

The weather conditions are forecast to begin over northern governorates including Musandam, Al Buraimi, North Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah and Al Dakhiliyah before gradually extending eastward and southward during the afternoon. By midday and into the evening, the impact will cover Muscat, South Al Batinah, North and South Al Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta.

Muscat, in particular, is expected to witness heavy thundershowers accompanied by hail, strong downdraft winds and significant cloud activity. Weather radar imagery shows active thunderstorm cells and dense cloud formations developing and moving across northern and central parts of Oman, including areas around the capital, indicating sustained rainfall intensity during peak hours.

Authorities have classified the impact level as moderate to high for most affected governorates, including Muscat, raising concerns over potential flash floods, especially in wadis and low-lying areas. Strong winds ranging between 20 and 50 knots (37–92 km/h) are also expected, which may lead to reduced horizontal visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

The alert further warns of the likelihood of flash flooding in wadis due to intense rainfall and rapid runoff. In contrast, Dhofar governorate is expected to experience only isolated rainfall with occasional thundershowers, with a low (limited) impact level.

The CAA has urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the alert period. CAA advised not to cross flowing wadis, avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, and refrain from going out to sea. Motorists have been cautioned against driving through flooded roads, while all are urged to follow official instructions and safety guidelines.