Muscat – Most parts of the sultanate are likely to be affected by an extension of a low pressure system in the Arabian Sea till Wednesday.

In a special weather bulletin on Saturday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that the ‘latest weather analysis of the National Multi Hazard and Early Warning Centre indicates that the sultanate might be affected this week by an extension of a low pressure system coming from India’.

CAA stated that on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there are chances of thunderstorms with varying intensity of rainfall on the western and eastern Al Hajar mountains, especially in the mountainous areas located in the governorates of North Batinah, Buraimi, Dhahirah, Dakhliyah, South Batinah, North Sharqiyah and South Sharqiyah. ‘The impact is expected to extend to the plains and deserts of Dhahirah, Dakhliyah and North Sharqiyah.’

For Tuesday and Wednesday, CAA said that the alert continues for weather disturbances in the Al Hajar mountains and the mountainous areas located in the above-mentioned governorates.

‘Due to the extension of the low pressure system coming from the Arabian Sea, clouds with isolated rain will start to affect South Sharqiyah, Al Wusta and parts of Muscat and North Sharqiyah. Rainfall will vary between 15-40mm.’

The authority warned that for the next few days there are chances of downdraft winds gusting between 40-80kmph. ‘This may give rise to dust leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility. The state of the Arabian Sea will be rough along coasts.’

It advised all to be cautious during rains, avoid overflowing wadis and check the visibility and state of the sea before sailing.