Muscat – The mercury plummeted in several parts of the sultanate with Jabal Shams witnessing sub-zero temperatures on Sunday.

According to the Directorate General of Meteorology, Jabal Shams recorded -1.1°C on Sunday, the lowest temperature of the year so far.

In January last year, the hills recorded a minimum of -3.6°C, the lowest in 2023. 

According to the met department, the lowest recorded temperature in Jabal Shams was -9.7°C in January 2015, since monitoring began in 2003.

Other places witnessing low temperatures this winter are Saiq (5.4°C), Muqshin (10.2°C), Mazyunah (10.7°C), Thumrait (11.5°C), Marmul (12.5°C), Sunaynah (13.7°C) and  Dalkhut (13.8°C).

The met department informed that the lowest temperature recorded in Masirah Island was 10°C in   December 1967, while the highest temperature recorded in December was 32.5°C in 2016. In December 2023, 30°C was highest temperature recorded and 20°C the lowest on the island.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Abdullah al Khatri, owner of Jabal Shams Moon Guesthouse, informed that the area is experiencing freezing temperatures and that the hills were laden with frost on Monday.

Currently, Jabal Shams is witnessing a large turnout of foreign tourists, residents and citizens alike.

“We have five rooms and these are mostly occupied, especially during the weekends. Tourists are also going for trekking to explore the area. We have several hiking trails, some of which run up to 12km,” Khatri said.

“Jabal Shams is one of the most beautiful places for camping in Oman,” he added.