MUSCAT — Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a weather alert warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and hail across several governorates from Friday evening through Saturday night.

In an advisory issued at 8:00 pm on Friday, the CAA said the alert will remain in effect until 10:00 pm on Saturday, with conditions expected to range from moderate to severe in intensity.

The authority said the ongoing weather system is bringing thundery showers accompanied by hail and active downdraft winds affecting North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah and Muscat, with impacts extending to North and South Al Sharqiyah.

The weather conditions are expected to gradually expand to include parts of Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates, while the overall system is forecast to begin weakening gradually from Saturday evening.

Authorities warned that heavy rainfall could lead to the flow of wadis and flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas, posing risks to public safety.

Wind speeds are expected to range between 20 to 50 knots (approximately 37 to 93 km/h), with strong downdrafts likely during thunderstorms.

The CAA also cautioned that horizontal visibility may drop significantly during heavy rain, at times nearing zero.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution, avoid crossing flooded wadis, stay away from low-lying areas, and refrain from going to sea during the alert period.