Rain, thunder and dust storms forecast for Qatar today and Monday

Omar Chatriwala
Omar Chatriwala

With reporting by Peter Kovessy

Thunderstorms, rain and strong winds could hit Qatar later today and tomorrow, according to the state’s Meteorology Department (MET), although the country will escape the ravages of Hurricane Chapala.

In addition to the rain, “sudden strong winds” could bring with them dust storms that will lead to reduced visibility, the MET added in a warning on Twitter this afternoon:

In a more detailed forecast for today on its website, the MET said clouds would increase by this afternoon. Temperatures are predicted to hit a high of 33C in Doha, while just 29C in Dukhan in the west.

The forecast remains similar for tomorrow, with Doha set to be slightly cooler, as the mercury is expected to drop to 31C.

Despite the warning, some residents expressed delight at the relatively rare prospect of precipitation:

Hurricane escape

The rain and cooler weather is not connected to Hurricane Chapala, which is is the second strongest cyclone on record in the Arabian Sea, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls.

Yemen and Oman are set to take the brunt of its force, with public beaches in the Omani district of Salala closed and the Oman Metereology Department forecasting rough seas with waves 10 meters high and winds speeds of 60 km/h.

Steff Gaulter, senior meteorologist for Al Jazeera English, told Doha News that Qatar faces a chance of rain today as a weakening system is working its way towards us from Kuwait, Iran and Iraq.

With dark clouds gathering over Doha, she added: “We could have the odd shower today but tomorrow is more likely. But it’s nothing like Yemen is going to get.”

Raindrops appear to have fallen already outside of Qatar’s capital as some residents have posted pictures and film clips of rain on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AliBinYousef/status/660798981983760384

Is it raining with you yet? Thoughts?

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