Muscat: Summer has not technically begun yet in the Sultanate of Oman, but the month of May always records the highest temperatures in the year and a contributing factor is wind.
According to Oman Met Office, active northwesterly winds blew over the governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Wusta, where Jaalouni station recorded 15 knots, Fahud 17 knots and Qarn Alam 17 knots. The monitoring station in Haima recorded wind speeds exceeding 25 knots, while the Duqm station recorded 20 knots with gusts reaching 30 knots, followed by the Mukhaizna and Qarn Alam stations with 19 knots.
According to the Oman Met Office’s weather forecaster, May is a transition stage between winter and summer. The origin of the wind and its direction are determining factors.
Weather forecaster Jaifer al Busaidy said: “The temperature as high as 47 degrees Celsius and even 50 degrees was recorded during one year once in Al Suwaiq. Interestingly in the coastal areas, the temperatures could range around mid 30s.”
During summer the temperature is lesser than that in May, he pointed out.
Currently, Suhar and Mahout recorded a maximum temperature of 46.3 degrees Celsius.
According to Al Busaidy the reason is there is no prevalence of sea breeze.
During the month of May, the wind blows from the mountains and deserts resulting in high temperatures.
“Some days the highest temperatures are recorded during the night hours because of the breeze from the land. However, during summer strong sea breeze starts around sunset, but the humidity tends to be high resulting in feel temperature,” said Al Busaidy.
The Civil Aviation Authority has advised everyone to pay attention and take precautions during the northwesterly winds, as it can cause the rise of dust and decrease visibility.
On Sunday, the weather forecast stated that mainly clear skies are expected over most of the governorates with chance of clouds advection over parts of the Arabian Sea. There are chances of low level cloud or fog patches over parts of the governorates of Al Sharqiyah South, Dhofar and Al Wusta and dust rising over desert and open areas.
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