Rainy season to begin in Qatar on October 16

The season locally known as Al Wasmi, which is marked by spells of rain, will begin on October 16 and last for 52 days, the Qatar Met department has said.

Clouds move from the west to east this time of the year and rainfall at the beginning of this period is usually an indication of a good rainy season, the department has said in a statement.According to latest seasonal forecasts, rainfall is expected to be around the average levels from now until December in Qatar and the Gulf region in general, the statement points out, adding that the season is named so because of its association with rains, which help in the growth of local plants such as raqroq (helianthemum) and ater (geranium).Climate records indicate that the maximum temperature decreases gradually in Doha during this season, going below 35C, while the minimum drops to about 20C. Overall, mild temperature is experienced during the day and it becomes relatively cold at night, especially under the influence of dry northwesterly winds, according to the weather office.On a cautionary note, the Met department has said flu and other diseases are common during this transitional period. Accordingly, the country’s health authorities recommend the use of flu vaccination, staying at home for 24 hours after recovering from fever, washing hands regularly and avoiding direct contact with ailing people – with the elderly, children and pregnant women required to be particularly careful in this regard.Meanwhile, strong winds are expected in some places by Wednesday afternoon. Windy conditions and high seas have also been forecast for offshore areas. The wind speed may go up to 20 knots in some places inshore and 25 knots offshore, with the sea level rising to 9ft at times.It will be hazy in some inshore areas in the early hours of the day, to be followed by hot daytime conditions and slight to blowing dust in some places at times. Slightly dusty conditions are expected offshore.A maximum temperature of 41C is expected on Wednesday in Al Khor and 40C in Doha. The minimum, on the other hand, will be 24C in Mesaieed, Wakrah and Abu Samra, and 29C in Doha.On Tuesday, a maximum temperature of 42C was recorded in the Qatar University area and 41C in Doha.