Muscat – A tropical depression has prompted activation of remote learning in five wilayats as adverse weather conditions are expected to impact the sultanate from Thursday.

Public and private schools and higher education institutions in the wilayats of Khabourah and Suwaiq in North Batinah, Barka and Musannah in South Batinah, and Seeb in Muscat have been instructed to shift to online learning.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a weather alert forecasting rains, strong winds and rough sea conditions from Thursday.

According to a CAA bulletin, thick clouds are expected to form from Thursday morning, bringing intermittent rain to several governorates, including North Batinah, South Batinah, Muscat, Dakhliyah, North Sharqiyah and South Sharqiyah. Rainfall is expected to range from light to moderate, with amounts between 15-35mm.

Winds will intensify, reaching speeds of 15-35 knots, which could create hazardous outdoor conditions. The strong winds, combined with rain, may lead to rough seas and pose risks along coastal areas.

The CAA advised the public to stay updated with weather bulletins, exercise caution, remain alert, avoid crossing wadis, and steer clear of low-lying areas and the sea.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has announced postponement of the mountain walking event – Challenge and Discover Wadi Bani Khalid – Tiwi – citing adverse weather conditions.

In statement, MHT said the event, originally set for Thursday, December 26 has been rescheduled to Friday, December 27 and Saturday, December 28.

In its statement, the ministry emphasised its commitment to the safety and well-being of participants, aligning with adventure tourism’s highest security and safety standards. All registrants are advised to confirm their updated participation through an email sent to the ministry.

The National Emergency Management Committee (NEMC) issued guidelines earlier in September to ensure the safety of students and staff during severe weather. The guidelines specify rainfall thresholds that trigger different responses. If rainfall exceeds 60mm in Muscat and Dhofar, 100mm in Al Wusta and Musandam, and 80mm in other governorates, classes will be suspended or moved to distance learning mode. For moderate rain – below 35mm in Muscat and Dhofar, below 50mm in Musandam and Al Wusta, and below 80mm in other areas – classes will proceed as usual. However, decisions may vary depending on the severity of rain, with potential switches to remote learning or suspension.

NEMC guidelines aim to ensure that all educational institutions are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to the evolving weather conditions.