Thunderstorms, heavy rain expected in Oman

Muscat: The Oman Civil Aviation Authority’s Meteorology Department has issued a weather alert for Monday, May 26, 2025, forecasting cumulus cloud activity and occasional thunderstorms over the Al Hajar Mountains and neighbouring regions of Oman.

Active downdraft winds, flowing wadis, and varying intensity rainfall – ranging from 10mm to 30mm – are expected between 11am and 7pm local time. Affected areas include mountainous zones in North and South Sharqiyah, Dakhiliyah, North and South Batinah, Dhahirah, and Muscat.

Authorities warn of potential flash floods, poor horizontal visibility, hail, and wind speeds reaching 20–45 knots. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and avoid low-lying areas and valleys during this period.

The Hajar Mountains are one of the highest mountain ranges in the Arabian Peninsula, shared between northern Oman and eastern United Arab Emirates. Also known as “Oman Mountains”, they separate the low coastal plain of Oman from the high desert plateau, and lie 50–100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman.

The Hajar Mountains extend for 700 kilometres through the UAE and Oman. They are located on the north-east corner of the Arabian Plate, reaching from the Musandam Peninsula through to the east coast of Oman. The range is about 100 km wide, with Jabal Shams being the highest peak at 3,009m (9,872 ft) in the central region of the mountain

Meanwhile, Oman is battling intense heatwaves, with temperatures nearing record highs.

The Oman Meteorology Department has warned that conditions may worsen, especially in North Batinah, South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta governorates.

Oman lies in a cyclone-prone region, especially from May to July and October to November, when the Indian Ocean is most active.