Starting August 17, large parts of Oman will come under the influence of a low-pressure system expected to bring multiple days of rainfall, thunderstorms, downdraft winds and rough sea conditions. Authorities are urging caution as weather intensifies across several governorates until August 21.
Weather system overview: Trough of low pressure from August 17 to 21
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), through its National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, has confirmed that the Sultanate will be affected by a trough of upper air beginning Sunday, August 17, 2025, and continuing through Thursday, August 21, 2025. This system is expected to result in continuous cloud advection across most regions, accompanied by scattered rainfall, occasional thunderstorms, and strong downdraft winds.Regions most likely to be affected include:
Al Wusta - Dhofar
- South Al Sharqiyah
- North Al Sharqiyah
- Parts of Al Dakhiliyah
- Sections of the Al Hajar mountain range
The Oman Meteorology Department has noted that rain intensity and distribution will vary depending on location. While widespread flooding is not yet forecasted, public warnings have been issued advising residents to avoid low-lying wadis and stay updated via official weather channels.
Daily forecast breakdown: Rainfall, winds, and marine conditions
Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Weather: Continuous cloud cover with isolated rain and occasional thundershowers over Al Wusta, Dhofar, South and North Al Sharqiyah.
- Rainfall: Estimated 10–20 mm, enough to potentially trigger wadi flows.
- Winds: Downdraft winds at 10–25 knots (20–50 km/h), capable of displacing light objects and raising dust.
- Visibility: Likely poor during thunderstorms.
- Marine Conditions: Rough seas along Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman coasts with wave heights up to 4 metres.
Monday, August 18, 2025
- Weather: Similar pattern of continuous clouds and scattered thunderstorms over the same governorates, extending into parts of Al Dakhiliyah.
- Rainfall: Expected to increase to 15–35 mm, posing a greater risk of wadi flooding.
- Winds: Intensifying to 15–35 knots (28–65 km/h).
- Visibility: Poor, with blowing dust and reduced horizontal visibility during storms.
- Marine Conditions: Rough seas continue, wave height reaching 4 metres.
Tuesday to Thursday, August 19–21, 2025
- Weather: The system will persist, maintaining cloud cover and intermittent thunderstorms, especially in Al Wusta and Dhofar.
- Rainfall: Forecast in the range of 25–45 mm, which may sustain or worsen wadi flow in vulnerable zones.
- Winds: Remain strong at 15–35 knots (28–65 km/h).
- Visibility: Continues to be affected by dust and thunderstorms.
- Marine Conditions: Seas stay rough across both coastlines, with waves reaching up to 4 metres.
Advisories and public safety measures
The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre has advised the public, especially in the listed governorates, to:
- Stay clear of wadis during rainfall due to potential flash flooding.
- Secure loose outdoor objects in anticipation of downdraft winds.
- Limit travel during thunderstorms due to poor visibility and road hazards.
- Monitor official weather updates for any changes in the forecast or emergency instructions.
Though no official flood warnings have been issued yet, authorities are urging both residents and visitors to remain vigilant throughout the five-day period as conditions may evolve rapidly.
