Another wet spell in the Middle East

Rain in the Middle East often spreads cheers for the people of the region. Although, it is a common phenomenon during winters, this year it has been very dry. On Sunday, an unsettled weather system moved across Saudi Arabia and the intensity of the system increased as it moved eastwards. Sunday saw scattered light rain in Doha, but on Monday the intensity of rainfall increased. Monday started with cloudy conditions as though the weather was building up and by evening thundery showers lashed the city of Doha.

The Hamad International Airport in Doha received 8 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, which is nothing extra ordinary or unusual but it happens to be half of March’s monthly average of 16 mm.

This rain came in as a huge relief for the people of Doha as this winter has been extremely dry. This spell of rain ended a very long spell of dry weather. February is usually the wettest winter month, which accounts for 17 mm of rainfall. But this year February has been completely dry and the last spell of rain occurred on 18^th January when about 8 mm of rainfall was recorded.

The rainfall will now reduce, but another spell of rain is expected over the weekend. Meanwhile, heavy rains during the next few days is expected to lash southwest Iran and cause flooding.