MUSCAT: With winter approaching, Oman is beginning to experience a welcome respite from the heat, particularly during the evenings and early mornings, although daytime temperatures continue to remain high in several parts of the country even as October enters its final stretch.
The latest figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday, October 20, show a noticeable contrast between daytime highs and overnight lows. While temperatures have dropped to single digits in the mountains, several locations across the Sultanate continue to record daytime temperatures close to 40°C.
Jabal Shams recorded the country's lowest temperature at 9.1°C during the past 24 hours, offering an early glimpse of the cooler winter weather ahead. Saiq registered 15.7°C, followed by Thumrait at 18.6°C, Haima at 18.7°C and Qairoon Hairitti at 19.6°C.
However, the heat has not completely subsided. Hamra Al Drooa recorded the highest temperature at 39.5°C, followed by As Sunainah at 39.1°C. Fahud and Al Kamil Wal Wafi both recorded 38.9°C, while Dima Wat Tayeen registered 38.6°C.
Other locations, including Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Samail, Al Rustaq, Muqshin, Al Buraimi and Izki, recorded maximum temperatures ranging between 37.9°C and 38.3°C.
The readings reflect the gradual seasonal transition, with cooler nights becoming more noticeable even as afternoon temperatures remain relatively high.
For residents who have endured months of intense summer heat, the change in evening weather offers some relief. However, the arrival of consistently cooler daytime conditions may still take time.
Earlier this month, the CAA's National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre forecast that temperatures across Oman would remain above their long-term climatic averages during October, November and December 2026.
The seasonal outlook indicates that warmer-than-usual conditions could continue through the final three months of the year, despite the gradual decline in temperatures associated with the onset of winter.
The authority's latest assessment of the El Niño phenomenon also suggests that the developing climate pattern could influence temperatures and rainfall across Oman in the coming months.
According to the report, El Niño is expected to strengthen and reach its peak during November and December. Northern Oman could receive above-average rainfall during October and November, with the possibility of wetter-than-usual conditions continuing in some areas during December.
However, seasonal outlooks provide an indication of broad weather trends rather than precise daily conditions.
Although the latest observations indicate that winter's arrival is beginning to be felt in Oman's mountainous areas and during the cooler hours of the day, the country may continue to experience warmer-than-average weather during the months ahead.
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