A phenomenon called ‘foehn wind’ has led to the mercury rising sharply in Muscat over the last couple of days. The dry winds associated with the phenomenon caused night time temperature in Muscat governorate to shoot up to a maximum of 40°C. 

According to the Directorate General of Meteorology, during the past two days, foehn wind caused the southwest winds to blow from the mountainous area of WadiSamail to the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman towards Muscat governorate, ‘causing the maximum temperature of Muscat to rise to 40°C during night.’

The Met department explained that the phenomenon occurs when winds descend from mountainous regions to the plains or coasts, becoming compressed, hotter and drier as they reach the plain or the coast.