MUSCAT : As winter tightens its grip on the Sultanate, Oman is set to experience its first cold wave of the season beginning Friday, December 19, bringing noticeably cooler conditions across much of the country.

According to the Oman Meteorology Authority, temperatures are expected to fall significantly in most governorates, marking a seasonal shift that residents will feel most during the early morning and late evening hours. The drop is particularly pronounced in interior and desert areas, where cold air masses typically settle first.

In the Wilayat of Saiq, nestled in the heights of Jabal Al Akhdar, temperatures are forecast to dip to as low as 2°C by Saturday dawn — among the coldest readings expected nationwide. Other interior cities will also see a sharp decline, with minimum temperatures ranging between 10°C and 14°C in Sohar and Ibri, while Haima and Khasab are expected to record lows between 11°C and 14°C.

Even coastal areas, usually shielded from extreme temperature swings, will not be immune. Muscat is forecast to see minimum temperatures around 17°C, offering cooler nights that contrast with the lingering warmth of recent weeks.

Meteorologists say the cold wave reflects normal winter patterns for this time of year, driven by northerly air flows and clearer skies that allow temperatures to drop rapidly overnight. Residents are advised to take precautions during early morning hours, particularly in elevated and inland regions where the chill may be more intense.

As Oman transitions into the heart of winter, the coming days are expected to bring crisp mornings, milder afternoons and a renewed sense of seasonal rhythm — a reminder that even in a desert nation, winter makes its presence felt.

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