MUSCAT – Authorities in Oman have issued weather alerts for various regions, warning residents and motorists of active dust storms and isolated thundershowers.
The unstable weather, largely driven by cumulonimbus cloud formations, has caused strong downdraft winds. These winds are affecting parts of the Al Hajar Mountains and surrounding desert regions. The meteorological department has highlighted that these downdrafts are responsible for whipping up significant amounts of dust, which has led to a notable reduction in horizontal visibility.
Key areas of concern include:
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Al Hajar Mountains: Expected to face continued atmospheric instability.
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Desert Regions: Particular focus has been placed on the Al Wusta and Dhofar Governorates, where scattered rainfall and blowing sand are likely.
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Travel Corridors: Motorists—especially those traveling on the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (the Adam-Thumrait route)—are urged to exercise extreme caution. Poor visibility and strong winds along these stretches can create hazardous driving conditions.
Safety Recommendations:
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Drivers should maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when visibility is compromised.
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Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated with official bulletins from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre.
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As the weather system persists, those in mountainous or desert zones should be prepared for sudden changes in wind intensity and visibility.
While these alerts were initially focused on the weekend, meteorological data indicates that weather conditions, including drizzle and moderate temperatures, continue to influence the coastal strips and mountain ranges of Dhofar.
