The Qatar Met department has issued a forecast for 'unsettled weather' and chances of scattered rain in the country from Thursday (January 23).

In a report on social media on Monday, the weather office said the wind direction is expected to shift to southeasterly on Wednesday (January 22) due to the extension of a low-pressure system over the region, with the cloud cover increasing gradually during the evening and at night.

There is a chance of scattered rain on Thursday, which may extend until Friday (January 24) noon, the report states.

Also, northwesterly fresh to strong winds are expected to start affecting the country again from Thursday, exceeding 20 knots in some areas and going up to 30 knots offshore, which may cause the wave height to rise over 7ft.

There will also be a drop in temperature, especially at night and early in the morning, according to the Met department.

The department has urged people to be cautious in view of the expected conditions, avoid sea activities, and follow latest updates through its official social media accounts.

Meanwhile, Tuesday's forecast says poor visibility is expected in some places in the early hours of the day as misty to foggy conditions are likely to prevail. This will be followed by moderate temperature during the day and some clouds, and it will be cold by night.

The visibility may drop to 2km or less at first.

The weather office has also issued a marine warning for strong winds as well as high seas on Tuesday. Scattered clouds are likely at times, and the wind speed may go up to 30 knots in the early hours, with the sea level rising to 10ft.

The minimum temperature on Tuesday is expected to be 13C in Wakrah and Mesaieed, 14C in Abu Samra, 15C in Al Khor, and 16C in Doha, Dukhan and Ruwais. The maximum, on the other hand, will range from 20C to 24C on Tuesday, with Doha expected to see a high of 23C.

Monday, a minimum temperature of 14C was recorded in Turayna, while in Doha (airport area) it was 17C. The maximum ranged from 21C to 26C around the country, and Doha recorded a high of 24C.

In a related development, the Met department issued a clarification regarding the cold spell expected in the country next week.

In a statement posted on social media on Monday, the department quashed rumours that Qatar is to be affected by 'rare' snowfall and clarified that such reports, which have been circulating in the country, are incorrect.

The cold spell that is expected to start on Sunday, January 26, will be similar to the previous one in intensity, the department stressed, with the minimum temperature dropping below 10C in some southern areas. Also, the minimum temperature may dip to 12C in Doha.

It explained that the temperatures that will be experienced during the coming cold spell are considered normal for this time of the year. The average minimum temperature in Doha in January is 13.5C.

The lowest temperature recorded during the previous cold spell was 5.6C in Abu Samra, on January 14.

The department advised the public to obtain weather-related information from official sources only.


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