A lightning strike seen over Doha skyline yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
DOHA: A dust storm engulfed Doha, its suburbs and some other parts of the country yesterday evening causing low visibility which pushed motorists to drive extra carefully.
People on the streets were seen covering their faces to protect themselves from dust. Rainfall was also reported in northern parts of Qatar yesterday.
Unstable weather is caused by change of season as Qatar entered in Wasmi season yesterday while the country is likely to continue witnessing rainfall and low temperate, according to Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD).
“During Wasmi season which will last 52 days, maximum temperature in Doha is expected to reach less than 35 degree Celsius and minimum temperature will fall to about 20 degree Celsius,” said QMD.
The Department posted yesterday a video-footage of rainfall in Al Shamal area on its Facebook account. QMD has also forecasted chances of scattered rain; maybe thundery at times starting from tomorrow (Wednesday).
QMD updated weather conditions in a number of posts on its social networking sites yesterday evening. “Dusty conditions and poor visibility are observed in some areas including Doha due to the temporary strong wind associated with local thunderstorms. Visibility expected to improve gradually in next few hours. Please be careful,” said a post.
In another post, QMD said: “Latest radar image shows thundery rain north of Al Shahaniya accompanied with strong wind causing rising dust and poor visibility. Latest radar image shows thundery rain towards Al Khor may be accompanied with strong wind causing rising dust and low visibility.”
According to a report of QMD, unstable weather conditions expected to affect the country due to extension of a low pressure with good humidity and cooling in the upper atmospheric levels which helps clouds to form starting from tomorrow (October 17) until the beginning of next week.
“Skies are expected to become gradually partly cloudy to cloudy at times with a chance of scattered rain mostly light to moderate in intensity. In addition, thundery cells are likely to form in some areas accompanied with moderate to heavy rain and strong wind causing rising dust at times,” said the report.
QMD has urged people to be cautious, check weather conditions before going to sea and to follow latest updates through its official social media accounts. “The onset of the locally famous Wasmi season begins on October 15 and lasts for 52 days,” said QMD.
“This season is named so because it coincides with rainfall that helps certain local plants to grow such as Helianthemum and Geranium. Rainfall in the beginning of Wasmi season is usually an indication of a good rainy season,” said the Department.
