SALALAH: As Dhofar transitions from Khareef (Monsoon) to the early days of Asurb (Spring), residents and visitors alike have started to reflect on what many are calling one of the most memorable monsoon seasons in recent history.
While an official weather report is yet to come, seasoned residents of Salalah are sharing their recollections of the most intense and beautiful Khareef they’ve seen in the last three decades.
“Frankly, I haven’t seen anything like this in the last 30 years,” says Mohammed al Mahri, a local who has witnessed countless monsoon seasons.
“The greenery was so rich this year, and the air had this crispness that made every moment in the outdoors special. We are used to Khareef being pleasant, but 2024 was extraordinary,” he said.
The Khareef season, which spans from June to early September, draws in thousands of tourists from across the GCC due to Salalah’s unique monsoon climate.
This year, with temperatures hovering between 22-25°C and a persistent gentle mist, the city became a haven for families seeking relief from the scorching summer heat that grips most of the region.
Weather experts were not able to give any conclusive statement for want of a proper analysed data, but they were not hesitant to say that the season was one of the best in so many years.
“We can’t make a formal statement without thorough data, but there’s no doubt that the consistency in cloud cover, lower humidity levels, and the steady breezes made this Khareef feel longer and more enjoyable than in recent years.”
The weather experts, however, noticed one change in trend in western parts, where the impact of the monsoon was lesser than the previous years.
“Generally monsoon knocks Salalah from the west, but places like Dalkhout and Rakhout did not get as intense Khareef as previous years,” said some locals in those areas.
Salalah and its adjoining areas, however, were entirely different this season.
While Khareef is synonymous with heavy drizzle and occasional showers, 2024 brought light rains with sustained cool breezes, resulting in perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. Nature enthusiasts and hikers had a field day this season, flocking to the lush mountains of Dhofar.
“It wasn’t just about the weather, though,” comments Abdullah al Hashmi, a frequent visitor from Muscat. “The whole atmosphere in Salalah this year was different. You could sense a kind of rejuvenation in the environment. The festival events were better organised, and there was more to do in the city than before.”
Even as the mist begins to clear and the vibrant green slowly fades, Salalah continues to draw tourists, especially from neighboring Gulf countries. Visitors are now transitioning to enjoy the early Spring season, known locally as Asurb, which brings its own allure with milder weather and brightening landscapes.
As one season closes and another begins, the memories of Khareef 2024 will linger. Locals are optimistic that future monsoons will follow in the footsteps of this unforgettable season, making Salalah a year-round destination for nature lovers.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
