While humidity remains high, particularly during the night, the drop in minimum temperatures in several areas across Qatar is a welcome development. Pic: Marivie Alabanza / The Peninsula
Doha: After months of extreme heat, recent weather readings are offering a sign of relief. For several consecutive days, the Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has recorded daytime minimum temperatures between 28°C and 29°C in several regions, marking a shift not seen in quite some time.
These lower daytime minimums, though still warm, are notable considering the prolonged period of intense and unrelenting heat the country has experienced, a noticeable break from the usual mid-40°C temperatures.
While humidity levels remain high, especially at night, the drop signals the start of a gradual transition.
Yesterday, August 25, Abu Samra area recorded the lowest temperature at 26°C, according to QMD.
This coincides with the rising of the Suhail star, a traditional seasonal marker in Qatar and the Arabian Peninsula. Suhail is associated with the end of the scorching summer winds, the beginning of shorter days, cooler nights, and increased chances of rain.
“It’s still humid at night, but we’re definitely starting to feel a change. It’s the first time in a long while we’ve been able to stroll comfortably without rushing indoors," said Gemma, a mother of two while checking cat foods and litter pellets at Souq Waqif early Saturday evening.
She added, “With school starting soon, we’ve been waiting for this shift in weather to make the most of these last few days and nights letting the kids enjoy the outdoors after the long summer.”
Though the transition will be slow and the nights still humid, the return of daytime minimums below 30°C in some areas is a hopeful sign that the worst of the summer may finally be behind us.
