Qatar residents could be in for a searing summer that lasts longer and is hotter than usual this year, according to weather experts who are predicting the return of the climate pattern known as El Niño.
The heat may pose a particular challenge for those observing Ramadan in June, as the fasting day in Qatar will last more than 15 hours during the first third of the month.
In a statement this week, the Qatar Meteorology Department forecast the return of El Niño this summer, explaining its effects on the weather here and through the wider Gulf:
“This situation may lead to a rise in temperature in East and South Africa, Asia and Gulf area the coming summer…
Some global Numerical Weather Production shows that the continuation probability of this phenomenon during summer may reach 80 percent and may extend until after September.”
What is El Niño?
El Niño describes the changes in trade winds across the Pacific Ocean that accompany increases in sea temperature, which can lead to extreme weather conditions across the globe.
The MET’s warning follows recent predictions issued by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, of an 80 percent chance of the re-emergence of the weather phenomenon.
Meanwhile, the US government’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) put the likelihood ofEl Niño’s return at closer to 90 percent in a recently-published advisory.
In addition to heating up the Gulf, the fluctuations in sea temperature and wind speeds could cause droughts in Australia and Indonesia. The effects also extend to the Americas, which could see heavy rains and flooding.
El Niño occurs in cycles, usually every three to four years, with episodes typically lasting nine to 12 months, but some prolonged events may last for years, according to the US’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Ramadan hours
Meanwhile, with Ramadan due to start in mid-June this year, fasting hours in Qatar are expected to be more than 15 hours for at least the first 10 days of the holy month.
The first day of Ramadan is forecast to start around June 18. At that time, dawn will be around 3:15am, while sunset will not begin until just after 6:32pm. Thereafter, the fasting hours will shorten slightly, by about 10 minutes during the remainder of Ramadan.
However, the fast will still be shorten than in most of Europe and North America, where daylight can last 20 hours a day in mid-summer.
Although work hours are generally reduced for Muslims during Ramadan, many schools will still be open until late June or early July.
In Qatar, it is not permitted to eat, drink or chew gum in public during the fasting hours.
Thoughts?
All I can say: Blasphemy! 🙂
I will enjoy my blasphemy with the usual ramadananana parties.
Haters will hate, and Laborers will labour. /s
Thoughts go out to the construction workers laboring under the scorching sun, whether they are fasting or not.
Thrilled to hear this, thrilled beyond belief.
Happy days!!!
That same pic was used for dress code by doha news. Confused mode.
And you remember that because….?
Right click, save to “special file” 🙂
I am pleased for all those that will prove their piousness by fasting for 15 hours. No cheating and no sleeping during the day! He will be watching!
I doubt that those observing the fast, care about whether you are pleased or not. Also your assumption that fasting is done to prove ones’ piousness demonstrates how little you know about Ramadan.
And you response shows how little you understand about how MIMH thinks.
Who cares about what he thinks? I am responding to what he is writing. But it’s good to know that you are his solicitor 😉
Seems to me what he writes is a reflection of the thinking – which you care enough about to reply to. On another note, I’m available; willing to sell my services to the highest bidder. With a clean credit check you too could have the benefit of my services.
I am pleased with your illogical response. Was wondering how come you didnt appear with your usual crap.
As for Ramadan, those fasting arent looking for a character certificate from you.
But I have my own religion and appointed myself as its prophet. Wanna join? I had visions and I’ve got my own book. Some pretty juicy miracles as well. (Less killing than the other books)
What shouldn’t we sleep during Ramadan days mufti MIMH?
That’s cheating. Stay awake through the daylight hours, sleep when it is dark as normal. You need to experience the fast to understand what poor people go through.
Cheating? Not at all. In Islam every word we express should be based on a holy text. There is no text (Qur’an or Sunna) stating that it is prohibited to sleep during Ramadan days. It is prohibited to prohibit something just based on our interpretation or understanding.
Being provocative is one thing, talking with ignorance is just shameful. Thanks for reading me Mister Mufti.
Not just poor people, but people in war, people that can’t fast as they’re not able too. Many reasons why we should fast.
And HMC will be very busy.
Sigh… God help us.
:-0
LOL !
Does ban on public eating and drinking apply to children as well? Thanks.
It shouldn’t really apply to anyone but I believe children are exempt as are pregnant women. However you will still probably get someone saying something nasty to you if they see your kids eating. Not much tolerance here.
No, people understand they’re kids. I’ve never had any problems. As for pregnant women, most of them tend to be really discreet and are very respectful of others.
Women who are on their menstral cycles as well do not fast but they will not be seen in public eating or drinking as a sign of respect to others that are fasting.
Have been for eight years, and seen children eating/drinking in public with no problem.
Thank you Shabina. I of course intend to be discreet if my children really need a snack but given their young ages it’s not always possible to plan ahead to be home for a quick pick-me-up.
No! They may eat. Anyone that obviously looks like a child to the eye does not need to worry.
Oh no…
whoever complains here think of the workers in construction site.
YAY, more heat
Doha is so hot that even the DN Weather Widget could not find it!
Exactly my point about teachers having to “teach” or go in just to punch that clock, even though they don’t have any work to do. They should t have to teach into the month of July. It’s RIDICULOUS!!! Crap needs to change!