Sheraton Hotel in Doha shrouded in fog yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Viisibility fell to zero at most places as dense fog descended on the city since yesterday noon. The country was affected by a weather phenomenon called sea fog which was formed offshore east of the country, and foggy climate is expected to continue until Thursday. The sea fog continued to blanket the Corniche area in the West Bay.
The Qatar Meteorology Department forecast calls for misty to foggy conditions at most places today becoming milder with clouds as the day progresses, and relatively cold by night. Visibility will be 3 to 7 km, though it can fall to less than 1km at places during foggy conditions.
“Various meteorological factors happened at the same time to bring down the dense fog during early afternoon, yesterday. Fog needs light winds and high relative humidity to form and these conditions are associated with high pressure systems, that prevail over Qatar currently,” said Abdullah Mohammed Al Mannai, Acting Director of the Department of Meteorology, Civil Aviation Authority.
“This is just a natural phenomenon, nothing to be alarmed about. The wind speed, wind direction and the high humidity combined to bring this sea fog on to land last evening. The visibility had fallen zero at most places,” he told The Peninsula.
Due to light easterly winds some of the sea fog patches moved towards eastern coastal areas of the country during afternoon. As a result the visibility dropped below 1 km with zero visibility at times in Messaid , Al Wakrah, Al Khor and Doha at first. Traffic jams were reported in various areas.
As humid easterly winds continued, widespread fog formed over most areas due to night time temperature cooling. Fog is expected continue until late morning today before it dissipates gradually due to increased solar heating.
“A high pressure continues to affect the country, with easterly to northeasterly light winds which make it favourable conditions for fog formations until Thursday. However, if the wind directions change, situation will not continue. The temperature was also uncomfortable for many with the humidity and the lack of wind speed. We hope this will change sooner,” Al Mannai said.
The temperature is expected to range between 19 and 24 degree Celsius today in Doha. While the maximum temperature outside would be 23 degree Celsius, while minimum would be between 15 and 18 degree Celsius. The sea will be calm and the wind speed will be between 4 to 10 knots.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Interior has urged motorists to use defrosters and wipers to maximise visibility and to keep windows and mirrors clear. It has asked motorists to be cautious and slow down vehicle, given the low visibility.
Bothe the ministry and QMD has urged people to follow latest weather updates on social media.
