Oman to embrace Spring tomorrow with soaring temperature

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is gearing up to welcome the first day of spring astronomically, set to occur tomorrow, March 20, as per an official announcement.

As Oman prepares for the arrival of spring, attention is also drawn to the upcoming phenomenon of the summer solstice, anticipated to take place on June 20.

With temperatures on the rise across the country, forecasts indicate maximum temperatures ranging from around 30 to mid-30 degrees Celsius in various cities for Tuesday. Temperature range of 33°C in Seeb, 36°C in Amerat, 35°C in Nizwa, 16°C in Nizwa, 35°C in Sur, 27°C in Salalah and 36°C in Fahud are expected, to experience warm weather conditions.

Reflecting on recent climate trends, Oman Meteorology reported that December 2023 witnessed the warmest winter on record in the Sultanate. However, temperatures experienced a slight drop during certain weeks of February and March, attributed to a series of air troughs impacting the atmosphere.

Al Buraimi station recorded a temperature increase of +1.9 degrees Celsius, while Masirah station recorded an increase of 1. 2 degrees Celsius compared to the average temperature for December. The highest temperatures recorded in December were in Wadi Al Maawil (34.8), Barka (34), Mirbat (33.8), and Salalah (33.2) among others.

Comparing temperature records, December 2016 saw the highest temperature recorded at 32.5 degrees Celsius, while December 2023 marked a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the year 2023 stood out as the hottest globally, with temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels.

As Oman anticipates the onset of spring and navigates through temperature fluctuations, the Sultanate remains vigilant in monitoring climate patterns and preparing for potential impacts.