The highest temperature in May is 46.3 degrees Celsius

MUSCAT: Technically, summer has not yet begun in the Sultanate of Oman, but temperatures in May are always the highest of the year, and wind is one factor.

According to the Oman Meteorological Department, active northwest winds hit the governorates of Buraimi, Dhahira, Dahiliyah and Usta, with 15 knots recorded at the Jaluni station, 17 knots at the Fahud station and 17 knots at the Kann Alam station. The Haima monitoring station recorded wind speeds of more than 25 knots, Duqm station recorded 20 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots, followed by Muhayzna and Kann Alam stations with 19 knots.

According to a weather forecaster at the Oman Meteorological Department, May is the transition period between winter and summer. The source and direction of the wind are the determining factors.

“Suweik has been recording highs of 47 degrees Celsius and even 50 degrees Celsius in a year,” said weather forecaster Jaifer al Busaidy. “Interestingly, coastal areas are likely to see temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius.”

He noted that summer temperatures are cooler than in May.

Currently, the maximum temperature recorded in Sohar and Mahout is 46.3 degrees Celsius.

According to Al Busaidy, the reason is the lack of prevailing sea breeze.

During May, winds blowing in from the mountains and deserts cause temperatures to rise.

“Some days, the highest temperatures are at night due to the breeze from the land. However, during the summer months, strong sea breezes start to appear at sunset, but humidity is often high, resulting in higher perceived temperatures,” Al Busaidy said.

The Civil Aviation Authority reminds everyone to pay attention and take precautions during northwest wind weather as it will cause dust to rise and reduce visibility.

On Sunday, the weather forecaster said that most of the governorates are expected to be mainly sunny, with cloud advection likely in some parts of the Arabian Sea. Low clouds or fog are likely to occur in parts of Al Sharqiyah, Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates in the south, with dust likely in desert and open areas.