DOHA: The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather warning for the inshore and offshore regions of Qatar, forecasting hot to very hot conditions with blowing dust during the daytime.
In its daily weather report, the department has also cautioned the public about the likelihood of strong winds during daylight hours.
The inshore region is expected to experience Westerly to Northwesterly winds, ranging from 10 to 20 knots and gusting up to 30 knots at certain locations during the day. This strong wind pattern may lead to reduced visibility, with expected ranges between 4 to 8 kilometers or even as low as 2 kilometers at specific places later in the day.
For those venturing offshore, conditions will be hazy with some clouds. The offshore winds are anticipated to be Northwesterly, blowing at speeds of 7 to 17 knots, with the potential to reach up to 23 knots in certain areas. Mariners and those at sea should be cautious due to the expected high winds.
Furthermore, sea conditions are expected to be moderately rough. In the inshore region, the sea state is forecasted to be between 1 to 3 feet, but it may rise to 5 feet at certain locations. Offshore, the sea state will be slightly higher, with waves ranging from 2 to 4 feet, but again, it may rise to 7 feet at specific places.
Given these weather conditions, residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution while outdoors, especially during the daytime when strong winds and blowing dust may affect visibility. Mariners and those planning offshore activities should take extra precautions due to the expected high sea state and gusty winds, which could make sea travel challenging.
The Department of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.