Thunderstorms expected in different areas of Sultanate: Met department

Staff Reporter Muscat: Thunderstorms are expected to strike different areas of the Sultanate, according to a recent advisory issued by the Oman Meteorology Department.

Thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday in Buraimi, Rustaq, Ibra, Samail, Bahla, Ibri, Nizwa, Adam, Mudhebi, Sunaynah, Saiq, Sadah, Mhada, Yanqul, Bidbid, Dhalkut, Taqah, Jabal Shams, Al Hamra and Izki.

There will also be a gradual, but noticeable drop in temperatures, along with windy conditions in those areas.

The Meteorology department has also predicted heavy rains in Dhofar region on Wednesday, withthunderstorms on Thursday and Friday.

Isolated rains

“Expect isolated rains and occasional thundershowers associated with fresh winds over the AlHajar Mountains and the adjacent willayat and desert areas of the Dhofar governorate on Thursday afternoon,” the forecast advises.

It also reportsthere is a chance of low clouds or fog forming in the eastern and central provinces of the Sultanate,as well as in the Dhofar region. Forecasts also pre- dictthat winds containing dust will be seen over the desert and open areas of the Sultanate.

Of note, Dhofar governorate has receivedsignificant rain this Khareef season, according to reports.

Salalah station has registered 48.5mm of rain from June 21 to July 18, compared to 4mm recorded during the same period in 2015.

Also, according to records from the Khareef Salalah Survey 2016, the number of touristswho have visited Dhofar between June 21 and July 19 stood at 134,779.