DOHA: Intermittent rains are expected to continue today as well in different parts of the country, although the current unstable weather was actually forecast to end yesterday.
“The rains are anticipated to extend its spell until today,” said Abdullah Al Mannai, head of research and analysis at the Department of Meteorology. He told this newspaper that the unstable weather began on March 16 and was supposed to end yesterday itself. “But it is extended for a day.”
He said intermittent rains that began in some parts of the country late on Saturday evening continued for more than 24 hours. The 24-hour rainfall was on average 10.8mm, he said.
According to Al Mannai, it is normal for Qatar to witness such rains during this time of the year.
In Qatar, this rainy season is called ‘Al Siryat’ in local parlance and it begins from this time in March until the last week of April. “So we can expect more rains after this spell is over as the season continues until next month-end,” said the veteran weather forecaster.
Asked about other places in the GCC being affected by the rains, he said Riyadh in particular was witnessing such weather.
The weather bureau is regularly updating its social media accounts and people keen on getting latest updates individually can send SMS on 92215 writing ‘weather’.
They will instantly receive a reply with the latest weather update. Thunder and strong winds with scattered rains are forecast for today. Northwesterly wind will be moving at 18 to 30 knots inshore. The seas will be rough and witness scattered rains.
Temperatures will vary from 18 degrees C to 24 with Doha witnessing 20 and 23 degrees at night and during the day, respectively.
Major roads and highways in Doha witnessed traffic snarls and the situation was particularly bad at some traffic interchanges.
There was problem at Air Force Interchange as traffic lights went off, prompting a patrol to be on a constant vigil. Many low-lying areas in Doha and other places, particularly far-off suburbs, were water-logged with cars seen wading through knee-deep water. In some areas, children came out in hordes splashing through in water puddles.
There were no chances of a repeat of March 26, 2014 on Salwa Road as the subway was clear this time. All municipalities deployed emergency rain teams to drain out water from low-lying areas.
In Doha Municipality, vulnerable areas included Old Airport, Madinat Khalifa, Al Hilal and South Duhail. The focus of water draining teams was on subways, roads in front of schools, hospitals, major roads, highways and government ministries and departments. Minor road accidents were reported in Doha and elsewhere. On D Ring Road, in front of Lulu Hypermarket, a car slipped and hit the road divider. No casualties were reported.
There were jams on Corniche Road with police everywhere in full force to ensure smooth traffic.
The Ministry of Interior had been tweeting, asking motorists to be cautious on slippery roads and amid rains. “Different parts of the country are blessed with rainfall. Motorists are advised to exercise maximum caution to avoid accidents,” said one tweet.
The Peninsula
