Muscat: The impact of an upper trough of low pressure has begun to affect Oman, with heavy rains and thunderstorms primarily concentrated over the Al Hajar Mountains.
As of this morning, flash floods have already started in several regions, with wadis such as Wadi Bani Kharous in Wilayat Al Awabi and Wadi Bani Ghafir in South Al Batinah flowing rapidly. The Oman Meteorological Office has issued a weather alert, warning of further wadi flooding and dangerous conditions as heavy cumulonimbus cloud activity continues.
The affected areas extend beyond the Al Hajar Mountains, with rain expected to spread to the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman, and the mountains and coastal regions of Dhofar Governorate. According to the Oman Met Office, thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to persist into Monday.
"The effects of the system have already started, with rainfall occurring over the Al Hajar, but we expect most of the rain to arrive in the evening. Heavier rains are forecasted for Monday," said a weather forecaster from the Oman Meteorological Office.
Several areas, including Al Mudhaibi, Al Hamra, Rustaq, Ibri, Dhank, Yanqul, and Al Buraimi, have already experienced active cloud formations, while scattered rains were reported in Dhofar Governorate. Rainfall across Al Hajar is forecasted to range between 15 and 60 mm, while Dhofar can expect between 15 and 35 mm. Active winds are expected to be in the range of 15-45 knots, potentially reducing horizontal visibility and stirring up dust.
Monday, September 30:
Heavy rains and thunderstorms, with varying intensities of rainfall (10-60 mm), are forecasted, especially over the Al Hajar Mountains, coastal areas near the Sea of Oman, and parts of Dhofar. The strong winds accompanying these storms are expected to cause dust storms, particularly in Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, and Al Wusta Governorates. The Met Office has also warned of the possibility of dust storms caused by strong winds in these regions, further reducing visibility.
Wind Speed: Active winds of 15-35 knots, with gusts possibly reaching 45 knots.
Sea State: Moderate to rough, with wave heights between 2.0 - 2.5 meters along the Arabian Sea, and calmer waters of 1.5 - 2.0 meters along the Sea of Oman.
Tuesday, October 1:
The weather pattern is expected to persist, with the continuation of heavy rainfall (10-20 mm) and thunderstorms over the Al Hajar Mountains, Al Dakhiliyah, and coastal regions of the Sea of Oman. Strong winds and dust storms will likely affect Al Dhahirah and Al Wusta Governorates, with sea conditions remaining moderate to rough.
Wind Speed: 15-30 knots, possibly causing poor visibility.
Sea State: Waves up to 2.5 meters along the Arabian Sea.
The alert from the Oman Met Office remains in effect until 8 p.m. on Sunday, with the governorates of Al Dakhiliyah, Al Buraimi, North and South Al Sharqiya, North and South Al Batinah, Musandam, Muscat, and Dhofar expected to be significantly affected. Authorities urge residents to remain cautious, avoid low-lying areas, and stay informed on the latest weather developments.
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