A change in the wind direction is causing an overall increase in temperatures this weekend, bringing in a warm front that is expected to last several days, the Qatar Meteorology Department has said.

Highs of 24C (75F) and above are forecast from Saturday through Wednesday, a significant rise over the relatively chilly temperatures that residents have been coping with this month.

In a statement, the MET said:

“On Saturday, 25th of January, the wind will turn into northwesterly at light – moderate in speed with gusts reaching 18km at places. Generally, from Sunday the warm advection with the southeasterly wind will rise the temperatures gradually and form local clouds at times. The expected maximum temperature will be around 19-24C and the minimum temperature will be around 15-18C.”

Expect partly cloudy days this week, and a chance of fog during the night and early mornings, the MET added.

However, Steff Gaulter, senior meteorologist at Al Jazeera English, warns that nighttime temperatures will still be cooler. Speaking to Doha News, she said:

“Tomorrow afternoon the winds turn northwesterly, so the low will be 14C (57F). After that (it will be) warmer again, with highs in the mid-20s on Wednesday.”

Are you enjoying the sunshine today? Thoughts?