A dust storm engulfed Qatar yesterday afternoon caused by very strong northwesterly wind that created difficulties for residents. Many people were spotted covering their faces to avoid direct exposure to dust particles. Patients with breathing problems and those allergic to dust preferred medicated masks.
MIA Park Bazaar which was scheduled to open today has been postponed for next week. “Due to forecast of unstable weather conditions over the weekend, the MIA Park Bazaar has been postponed. It will resume the following weekend, starting from Friday, January 25, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) tweeted yesterday.
“Widespread dust is affecting the country with strong northwesterly wind causing visibility to drop below 1km in most areas. And dusty conditions expected to continue until night time,” Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) tweeted yesterday afternoon.
QMD forecast strong wind and poor visibility today and tomorrow. Weather will be also colder especially in the southern part of the country and outer areas.
According to QMD, the country is expected northwesterly fresh to strong wind in most areas until tomorrow. The wind speed will range from 18 to 28 kt which could reach to 38 kg in some areas especially today. “The weather will be dusty at times with poor visibility below 2km in some areas. Sea weave is expected to range between 7 to 10 feet which could reach to 15 feet at times,” said the Department.
The northwesterly wind will be accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperature returning to their average for this time of the year.
Maximum temperate is expected to range between 16 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius and minimum temperate ranges from 10 degree Celsius to 14 degree Celsius which could fall below 8 degree Celsius in southern and outer parts of the country during this time. This cold spell expected to be the coldest so far this season enhanced by the wind chill effect which will make it feel even colder.
According to QMD, the lowest temperate, 12 degree Celsius is expected in Abusamra today, followed by 14 degree Celsius in Mesaieed. Al Khor will witness 15 degree Celsius. The minimum temperate of Doha and Dukhan will have equally 16 degree Celsius. Al Ruwais will be hotter relatively from rest of country with 17 degree Celsius today.
However, tomorrow will be colder than today, as according to QMD Abusamra will witness 10 degree Celsius as minimum temperate. The mercury will go down to 13 degree Celsius in Al Khor and 14 degree Celsius in Doha. Dukhan and Al Ruwais will have 15 degree Celsius.
