Strong winds expected today, temperature drops

Strong winds are expected in parts of the country today, the Qatar Met department has said. There is also a forecast for thundery rain, strong winds and high seas in offshore areas today.Northwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 12-22 knots inshore, going up to 30 knots in some places by the afternoon. Offshore, too, northwesterly winds will blow at 14-23 knots, reaching a high of 30 knots at times.The detailed forecast for inshore areas says it will be cloudy at times and there is a chance of rain in some places. The conditions will turn partly cloudy later and slight to blowing dust is also likely in some areas by the afternoon.Cloudy conditions are expected in offshore areas along with scattered rain, which may become thundery at times.Light to moderate rain was reported from different parts of Qatar yesterday, including Doha, while thunderstorms were also detected in some places. The conditions led to a drop in the temperature around the country compared to Saturday.A minimum temperature of 21C was recorded yesterday in Abu Samra and Turayna, while Doha (airport area) saw a low of 24C. The maximum ranged between 25C and 30C.Today, the minimum temperature is expected to be 19C in Al Khor and Dukhan, followed by 20C in Abu Samra, 21C in Doha, Al Wakrah and Mesaieed, and 22C in Ruwais. The maximum, on the other hand, will range from 23C to 24C around the country.