The Meteorological Department has announced that strong northwesterly winds are likely to blow in Qatar and neighboring countries in the coming days. ‘Al-Bawarih’, a local weather phenomenon experienced annually in the Gulf region, begins in May and lasts until mid-July.
What is Al-Bawarih?
The main reason for this wind is the Indian monsoon low-pressure system spreading to the Gulf region and the high-pressure system forming in the northern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The air flow between these two pressure changes becomes ‘Al-Bawarih’.
According to the Qatar Meteorological Department, the main characteristics of this wind are:
- Time sequence: The wind speed gradually increases after sunrise and reaches its maximum strength in the afternoon.
- Dust storm: Strong winds are likely to raise dust particles in the atmosphere. This will significantly reduce horizontal visibility on the roads.
- Low humidity: The relative humidity in the atmosphere will be low during this wind.
- Sea turbulence: As the wind becomes stronger, waves are likely to rise in the sea. This may pose a challenge for beachgoers and tourists in the coming days.
Authorities advised motorists to be cautious as visibility is likely to be reduced due to dust storms, and those going out to sea should pay attention to weather reports as the sea is likely to be rough. The Qatar Meteorology Department stated that it will inform about weather changes at regular intervals through official social media accounts.
