CAA Warns Residents After Sharp Temperature Drop Across Parts of Oman

Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued an official weather advisory after much of the country experienced a notable drop in temperatures due to a powerful cold air mass sweeping across the Sultanate. 

The advisory, released on Tuesday, warns residents and visitors of significant weather changes brought on by the cold wave, which has already caused temperatures in key regions to drop sharply compared to earlier in the week. 

According to the National Center for Early Warning of Multiple Hazards, Muscat’s temperature plunged from around 21°C to about 16°C, while the central town of Haima dropped from 17°C to nearly 11°C. In the high altitudes of Jabal Shams, notorious for its chilly climate, temperatures plunged from 4°C to near 1.5°C, raising the likelihood of frost formation in elevated areas. 

In its advisory, the CAA highlighted several expected weather conditions, including:

• Reduced visibility due to active winds and dust

• Noticeably colder conditions with frost potential in mountainous regions

• Strong winds capable of stirring up sand and dust in exposed areas 

A weather pressure map accompanying the warning shows the cold air mass advancing across Oman, although meteorologists expect the low-pressure system to begin shifting away by December 31. 

The CAA is urging people to exercise caution, particularly in exposed and high-altitude areas, and to prepare for potentially difficult travel conditions due to sudden climatic shifts. 

This cold wave follows earlier indications of changing weather patterns across the region, with local meteorological outlets reporting the advancement of the cold system and its impact on wind speeds and sea conditions. 

As Oman adapts to this abrupt drop in temperatures, authorities recommend that residents and visitors stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to protect their health and safety.