Vehicles passing through F-Ring Road during heavy rains. Pic: Kammutty V P/The Peninsula
The Qatar Metrology Department (QMD) yesterday recorded the highest rain 33mm in Ghuwayria in northern part of the country while Al Gharrafa received hail falling.
Though the forecasters have not predicted rain for today but strong winds in most parts of the country are on their radars that may lead to further fall in temperature till tomorrow.
Al Gharrafa area received hail falling yesterday evening; QMD posted a video footage of hail falling on its twitter account.
A noticeable drop in temperatures expected early next week. as the country is expected to be affected by a ridge of a Siberian high pressure system starting from today dawn accompanied with northwesterly fresh to strong winds over all areas.
As a result, a noticeable drop in temperatures is expected with maximums in Doha forecast to range between 17 to 20 degree Celsius while minimums will range between 10 to 13 degree Celsius and less than that in external areas with increased feeling of cold due to windy conditions. Sea warning will continue until Monday.
Qatar received pretty good rains during past few days. The highest rain 33mm was recorded in Ghuwayria last evening, followed by 26mm on Al Shamal road, an officer from QMD told The Peninsula. Ras Laffan and Qatar University shared 25mm and 20mm rain respectively. Abu Hamour got 19mm rain yesterday.
The heavy rain on Thursday night and yesterday caused waterlogging at low-lying areas across the country. Rain emergency teams of municipalities in collaboration with Public Works Authority (Ashghal) intensified the operation to remove the waterlogging from highways, intersections and roundabouts on priority basis.
Some old houses affected by heavy rain faced roof-leaks. The residents of old homes whose doorsteps could not be upgraded after road development faced tough times.
MIA Park's weekend bazar cancelled due to rain
“The rain on Thursday night was heavy. The roof of my house leaked at many places. I and my wife were running with a bucket to protect the sofa and other belongings from being spoiled,” a resident of Ben Mahmoud told The Peninsula.
"The water in the street rose to my doorstep when the vehicles passed. I closed the door tightly with the help of plastic and clothes. However, the waterlogging did not last for long as it was cleared within a few hours with the automatic drainage system," he added.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park Bazar, which is held at weekends, on Friday and Saturday, was cancelled due to the rain. But farmers markets were open yesterday and it will remain today also.
The waterlogging led to breakdown of many cars, especially older ones. Many motorists were spotted with open bonnet of their cars trying to fix the mechanical fault on roadside at highways.
