MUSCAT : Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta governorates are set to be pummeled by thunderstorms, with forecasts predicting rainfall ranging from 20 to 50 millimeters. Jaifar bin Hamad Al Busaidi, a meteorologist at the Civil Aviation Authority, sheds light on the gravity of the situation, outlining the regions and timelines expected to bear the brunt of the storm.

He emphasized the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by hailstones and active downward winds, with the Hajar Mountains and governorates such as Musandam, North Buraimi, Al Dhahirah and Al Batinah among the first to feel the impact.

However, the full force of the weather disturbance is anticipated to peak after midnight on Friday, extending through Saturday morning. During this period, heavy thunderstorms are forecasted to unleash copious amounts of rainfall ranging from 30 to 150 millimetres, triggering potential flash floods in valleys. The storm’s severity is underscored by the expected onslaught of heavy hailstones and strong winds, ranging between 25 and 50 knots, posing risks such as toppling trees and electricity poles.

Meanwhile, areas including South Al Batinah, Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, North Al Sharqiyah, and South Al Sharqiyah are advised to prepare for varying intensities of rainfall, accompanied by thunder and hailstones, alongside active downward winds measuring between 30 and 80 millimetres.

Even as the storm subsides, scattered rainfall is anticipated to persist in the Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates, potentially extending into Sunday. With precipitation levels between 20 and 50 millimetres across the Sultanate, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the impending severe weather conditions.

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