Doha residents are in for a windy, dusty week, the Qatar Meteorology Department has warned.

In a statement on its website, the MET said:

“Northwesterly wind… will increase by Tuesday to reach strong in speed associated with high waves offshore. A warning of strong wind and high seas is expected to be issued.

The Northwesterly winds usually result in the rising of dust. The temperature and relative humidity will drop during the night and dawn, which will increase the sense of an improvement in the overall weather situation.”

Today’s windy conditions, which are kicking up sand especially at construction sites around the country, are expected to abate by sunset, a forecaster at the MET told Doha News.

But “fresh wind” will pick up tomorrow, at a speed of about 25 knots. The cycle is expected to continue at least through Thursday, he said.

On the bright side, humidity is on the decline. But it may still be a while before cooler temperatures hit Doha, which is averaging 37C (100F) in the daytime.

In response to a question about when the weather will get more pleasant, the forecaster could only promise: “In the next half of next month, it will be slightly cooler.”

Did anyone get sandblasted today? Thoughts?

Credit: Photo for illustrative purposes only by Muhammad Kamran Qureshi