Tropical system brewing in Arabian Sea: Oman under watch

MUSCAT: A tropical weather system is expected to form over the eastern Arabian Sea this weekend, prompting close monitoring by Omani authorities.

While current forecasts show no direct or indirect impact on the Sultanate of Oman over the next five days, the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre is keeping a close eye on its development.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move northward and intensify into a depression within 36 hours.

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.

The Met Office’s Wednesday forecast predicts mostly clear skies across the country, with a chance of cloud formation over the Al Hajar Mountains, bringing isolated rainfall. Low clouds and fog may develop late at night and early morning over parts of Dhofar, South Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta.

Oman lies in a cyclone-prone region, especially from May to July and October to November, when the Indian Ocean is most active. Though rare, Arabian Sea cyclones can be devastating.

Shaheen struck on October 2, 2022, with winds reaching 150 km/h, leading to flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across Oman before weakening inland.

-- Fahad Al Mukrashi is a freelance journalist based in Oman