Thunderstorms in several governorates with expectations of relative calm tomorrow

Muscat: The governorates of Al Buraimi, A’Dhahirah, Musandam, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, and North Al Sharqiyah are currently experiencing heavy thunderstorms.

The formation of rainy thunderclouds is expected to continue over the coming hours and will extend to include the governorates of Muscat and South Al Sharqiyah.

Hilal Salim Al Hajri, Head of the Forecasting and Early Warning System Department at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), told Oman News Agency (ONA) that forecasts for tomorrow, Thursday, indicate relative calm. However, chances of thunderstorms remain possible, predominantly favoring the governorates of Al Buraimi, A’Dhahirah, and North Al Batinah.

He pointed out that the Authority's monitoring stations recorded varying amounts of rainfall today. The highest amounts recorded include 57 millimeters at the Khasab Port station in Musandam Governorate and 44 millimeters at the Abu Al Tubool station in Al Wusta Governorate.

Al Hajri warned of rainfall of varying intensity, which may occasionally become extremely heavy and accompanied by hail. This will lead to the flowing of reefs and wadis, some of which could be sweeping. Additionally, these weather conditions will bring downdraft winds with speeds ranging between 20 to 50 knots (37 to 93 km/h) and decreased horizontal visibility, which may sometimes drop to zero during heavy downpours.

He urged everyone to exercise the utmost caution during the thunderstorms. The public is strongly advised not to cross wadis, to avoid low-lying areas, and to refrain from venturing into the sea during this period.