Make holiday plans with weather in mind
July 21: The Renaissance Day weekend is giving travel enthusiasts yet another opportunity to explore Oman. Plan your trip with weather in mind, says weather experts.
Weather is going to be sunny in general with temperature ranging between 32 to 46 degrees Celsius depending on where you are in the country. About 46 degrees Celsius is what is expected in the desert area, and in Muscat as well as in the coastal areas the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 38 degrees Celsius.
But for three days the meteorologists are predicting good local rains in Dakhiliyah, Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah governorates. “Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we are expecting good local rains. There are chances for fresh downdraft winds and isolated hail storms as it usually comes with thunder storms. By next week there is a chance for increase in temperature especially in the Arabian Peninsula, and for Oman we will experience rising temperature in the desert area from three to four degree Celsius. It might reach 45 to 46 degrees in some places,” said Abdullah al Balushi, meteorologist at Met Office of Oman.
The coastal area, including Muscat, will have a different experience as the temperature is expected to go down two to three degree Celsius. “Muscat and adjoining areas will reach 40 to 41 degree Celsius with added Al Balushi.
“We would like to advise everyone to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and views of the interior. The good time to see high humidity,” the cloud development is after 12 pm,” pointed out Al Balushi.
“The local rains occur after 3 to 4 pm and sometimes we get heavy thundershowers. The travellers have to be aware of the wadis. If there are wadis they have to wait until the flow is minimal to cross the wadis. Sometimes the rains can go up to 5 to 6 pm which is why the weather forecasters warn that the areas around the mountains are great to enjoy but with caution when it comes to wadis.
“Do not cross the wadis,” stressed Al Balushi again adding, “The wadis begin to flow after the rains. Sometimes people who are at the base may not even know that it is raining in the mountains until they see the water rushing from the mountain areas. Rains concentrate on the mountains.”
Meanwhile, Salalah is experiencing one of the best monsoons. The monsoon rain, the Khareef is one of the best in three years. The Khareef might even extend for a few more weeks. It is something no one should miss this year.