Strong winds lash Qatar as mercury dips
Strong winds lashed coastal areas of Qatar last evening, reducing visibility considerably in some areas and whipping up sandstorms.
Chilly conditions prevailed in Doha and its outskirts last evening.
Visibility could be low in the evenings in the coming days, especially in the interior desert areas, the Met office said.
A Met department official did not rule out the chances of rain as the temperature falls in the next few days. The Met office has forecast strong winds in the 24 hours starting from 5pm yesterday, especially in Mesaieed and Dukhan. In the western coast wind speed could vary between 22 and 36 knots.
The Met office has also predicated considerable fall in temperature in the coming days. The minimum could be around 12 degrees and maximum around 17-18 degrees. The mercury could dip to 9-10 degrees during the next five days, according to the forecast.
The winds forced Qatar’s fishermen to stay on shore since early hours of Saturday.
Speaking to the Gulf Times yesterday, some Indian fishermen based in Al Khor and Ruweis said a large number of boats remain berthed at fishing harbours. Fishermen have not ventured into the sea since Saturday afternoon. A community leader of Indian fishermen said that they would not be able to return to the sea at least for the next four days.
Trading at fish market is likely to be affected for a few days in view of the slump in the arrival of fresh catch.
Yesterday, Hamour was traded between QR22 and QR24/kilo at the main market and king fish was available between QR15 and QR20/kilo, wholesale traders said. Shamal safi was sold for QR22/kilo and Sheri for QR8 per kilo. According to stall owners, prices of most varieties of fish would go up in the coming days.
Gulf Time 07/01/2008
