Rain pours in Doha

Even as intermittent rains continued to lash Doha and its surrounding areas for the third consecutive day on Sunday resulting in flooded streets and problems for commuters and pedestrians alike, the Department of Meteorology has predicted more thunder showers on Monday.

Head of the Analysis and Forecasting Section Abdulla Mohammed al Mannai said that the rain witnessed during the last 72 hours were equivalent to the total volume of rains witnessed in the entire month of December normally.

He, however, said that there was nothing unusual about it and added that the weather would start improving from Monday. “Colder days are ahead as there would be a significant drop in temperature on Monday because of the combination of cold air mass in the upper levels of the atmosphere associated with jet stream,” he added. The minimum temperature is expected to dip to 17 degree Celsius from 20 degree Celsius being witnessed normally these days. Meanwhile, residents had a tough time during the last three days because of intermittent rains, which caused heavy waterlogging at several places even in the heart of the town.

According to the Department of Meteorology, Doha alone recorded 24.6 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours. High pressure over Iraq and north-west of Saudi Arabia were reported to be the reasons behind the showers witnessed across the country. A resident of Fereej Bin Mohammad Street said that a car fell into a pit as it was inundated with water and had to be removed with the help of a crane.

Similarly, several vehicles in different parts of the city got stuck as their engine stopped while wading through the waterlogged areas. The collected water also led to traffic snarls in most of the areas inside Doha with vehicles remaining stranded and traffic moving painfully slow. The commuters had difficulty clearing their windscreens and mirrors to keep track of the vehicles.

It was also not easy for pedestrians, especially the workers, who had to brave the rains while waiting for buses and taxis at shelterless bust stops and footpaths. However for some, the wet weather came as a boon as they were desperately waiting for the rains that are hard to find in this region. Many were seen walking along the Corniche under umbrellas and enjoying the cool breeze. Covering themselves with woolen garments and caps, they enjoyed the rains mingle with the foaming Arabian Sea.