Weather charts indicate that northwesterly windy condition (locally called “AlBawarih”) is expected to continue until weekend especially on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Wind speeds are expected to range between 18 to 30 knots gusting to 35-45 knots at times during daytime. As a result, waves are expected to rise to 8 -12 feet and visibility may drop below 2 km at times over most areas due to dust.
In general, hot daytime weather conditions will continue with maximum temperatures exceeding mid-forties over some areas especially central and eastern areas.
“AlBawarih” wind speed weakens and temperatures become mild at night before it regains strength again by sunrise on the next day.
“AlBawarih” is a local term known in the gulf region that refers to northwesterly windy conditions as a result of the extension of the Indian Monsoon along with the presence of a high pressure system over northern Arabian Peninsula.
The onset of AlBawarih winds coincides with the onset of the Monsoon winds and the rainy season in the Indian subcontinent.
AlBawarih in Arabic means the strong wind that raises dust. It’s also called the “forty days wind” as it affects the region during the period between first of June until mid-July in a series of waves lasting several days and reaches its peak in the second half of June.
The most important characteristic of “AlBawarih” is that it weakens at night as it gains strength gradually at sun rise and reaches peak during noon time causing rising dust and poor visibility that may drop below 1km at times as well as high waves.
In addition, temperatures rise during daytime exceeding mid-forties in some areas with a decrease in relative humidity.
AlBawarih winds may affect aviation at times as large differences in wind speeds between the surface and 3000 ft height can cause wind shear.
Qatar Meteorology Department urged all residents to be cautious and to avoid going to sea during this period as well as to avoid direct sunlight and to follow latest updates through it’s official social media accounts.