Chillier night likely as dust storms settle Saturday, 04 February 2012 01:20

DOHA: The North-westerly winds are expected to continue their spell across the country today, with the evening and the night especially, expected to be a little chillier than yesterday.

But with the dust storm largely over, the strong winds expected today might not carry sand particles any more that led to a sudden surge in mainly viral and chest infections on Thursday.

“We expect that strong winds would not bring along dust any more, although some places might at times witness dusty winds,” a weather forecaster told this newspaper yesterday. He said some places could also witness partial clouds at times.

Day temperatures would increase today as compared to yesterday as the maximum temperatures forecast by the weather bureau (for today) is 22 degree Celsius as against 19 degrees yesterday.

But the minimum temperature that has been forecast by the bureau for today is 14 degree Celsius, which is a degree less than yesterday, and this means the evening and night could be a little chiller.

Winds could have speeds of up to 20 knots an hour and might reach 35 knots offshore, the forecast said. Doctors said people should better take precautions against cold and especially protect children below five from being exposed to the cold and wind.

Visibility is also expected to be low today at between 4km and 8km, so motorists particularly should take precautions. The dust storm on Thursday saw a sudden surge in the cases of chest infections, common cold and fever, among other common seasonal ailments, and a lot of children were rushed for emergency medical care by their parents.

A number of people who complained of difficulties in breathing and those suffering from bronchitis and asthma also went to the emergency unit of Hamad Medical Corporation on Thursday.

The Peninsula

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