Hovering clouds, heightened humidity and cool sea breeze during evenings are quite a signal for the season that Salalah awaits and offers to its visitors.
The difference in temperatures between Salalah and other parts of the country is another indicator and a point of validation for the people of Salalah who fall back on the season for their lifestyle and business, preparations for which are already in place.
Salalah remained cloudy the whole day on Tuesday, giving people a topic to discuss whether the clouds are indications of the ensuing Khareef or the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy's movement, which is making news for its direction and location of actual landfall.#Salalah #Khareef... pic.twitter.com/cXtHx2c8bc
— Oman Observer (@OmanObserver) June 14, 2023
"The difference in temperatures between Salalah and most other cities in the country is 10 degrees Celsius. That means Salalah is cooler by 10 degrees. It makes sense for us to believe that the season is knocking. Businesses are ready with their products, including hospitality, accommodation, restaurants and even hospitals and other necessary service providers," said Francis, who deals in real estate and other related services.
Asked a medical practitioner about his holiday plans as his children's schools are closed for summer vacation. He quipped, "No holiday for us during the season because we are busier due to heavy footfall in the city during the Khareef season. It requires our presence to attend to all kinds of patients, including some emergencies," said Dr Sachin Singh, who, besides being a medical practitioner, is a nature lover and a keen photographer.
"The season allows me to enjoy the serenity of Salalah as well as the beauty of nature and some best clicks that I get while going out with my family and friends. Moreover, being in Salalah is quite a relief from the heat in my own country this time around," said Dr Sachin, who hails from India.
The city remained cloudy the whole day on Tuesday, giving people a topic to discuss whether the clouds are indications of the ensuing Khareef or the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy's movement, which is making news for its direction and location of actual landfall.
"Whatever may be the case, this is for sure that the Khareef season is going to start on June 21 and continue till the end of August. There may be a plus-minus of days, but preparations are on. We are getting ready for it," said a vegetable shop owner, who also keeps green coconuts, a signature product of Salalah and very popular among Khareef visitors.
An Italian who owns a house in Hawana Salalah admitted that he has bookings for the whole of July, and enquiries and bookings are there for June 15 onwards.
People are expecting an impressive Khareef this year. The hovering clouds, along with high humidity, are making their hope stronger.
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