The Qatar Meteorology Department is cautioning residents about strong winds and high tides, as well as reduced visibility due to blowing dust this afternoon:
اخر صور الاقمار الاصطناعية حيث تظهر بالصورة وجود الغبار المثار على المناطق الجنوبية للبلاد pic.twitter.com/bm2jjFtYAG
— أرصاد قطر (@qatarweather) February 9, 2015
A southeasterly wind moving at 20 knots (37km/hour) has cut visibility to 3km by the old airport, a MET forecaster told Doha News. Elsewhere in Qatar, visibility has fallen to less than 2km, he added.
The strong winds will continue until the evening, when visibility should improve.
But they are expected to pick up again tomorrow, with possible dusty conditions during Sport Day, and on Wednesday as well, as the forecaster said.
During sandstorms, health officials generally advise that residents drive with their windows closed; avoid rubbing their eyes to prevent infections; and carry a supply of water to keep from being dehydrated.
Because children are especially vulnerable – thousands were taken to the hospital last month during a sandstorm – doctors advise parents to cover their kids’ mouths and noses while outside, to avoid reducing inhalation of dust particles.
How’s your part of town looking? Thoughts?