Dust storms and intense heat wave caution issued; weather conditions expected to ameliorate in the evening today
The current weather conditions in Kuwait are being influenced by strong northwesterly winds exceeding 50-60 km/h, raising dust storms and significantly reducing visibility, particularly in open and exposed areas. These winds are accompanied by a hot and dry air mass due to an extension of the Indian monsoon depression, causing rough seas with waves reaching heights of up to six feet[1][2][3][4][5].
The dust-raising northwesterly winds are expected to persist through Tuesday afternoon, with dust and visibility issues continuing. However, starting Tuesday evening, the wind direction is forecast to shift to a southeasterly flow along coastal areas, which will ease wind intensity and bring an increase in humidity, especially along the coast. This change is due to the influence of the Indian monsoon depression, which is driving the current weather pattern[1][2].
Following this shift, dust levels are expected to gradually subside during the evenings starting Tuesday, and humid conditions will persist through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, marking a transition from hot dusty weather into a more humid phase of the summer. Throughout this period, daytime temperatures will remain extremely high, ranging from about 47°C to 52°C, characteristic of Kuwait’s peak summer heat phase known locally as "Al-Mirzam"[2][4].
The Director of the Meteorology Department in Kuwait is named Dharar Al-Ali. He advises the public to take precautions, especially those with respiratory issues, as the dust storms may cause discomfort and potential health risks[6]. It is recommended to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers if available.
[1] https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3309673&language=en [2] https://www.alarabia.net/english/news/gulf/2021/08/10/Kuwait-braces-for-dust-storms-and-high-seas [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/10/kuwait-braces-for-dust-storms-and-high-seas [4] https://www.albawaba.com/news/kuwait-braces-dust-storms-high-seas [5] https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3309673&language=en [6] https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3309673&language=en
The weather forecast for Tuesday afternoon indicates that the dust-raising northwesterly winds will persist, continuingly affecting visibility. Starting Tuesday evening, a shift in the wind direction to a southeasterly flow is anticipated along coastal areas, improving conditions by easing wind intensity and increasing humidity.
