MUSCAT : Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a weather alert warning of heavy to thundery rainfall across several parts of the Sultanate on Wednesday, with the possibility of hail, strong downdraft winds and flash flooding in wadis.

The alert, classified as Warning No. 5, will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, according to the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre.

Authorities said the unstable weather conditions are expected to begin over Musandam, North and South Al Batinah, Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah, before gradually extending to include Al Dakhiliyah and parts of Muscat by evening. The impact is also likely to spread to South Al Batinah, North and South Al Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta later in the day.

The CAA said rainfall may be “heavy at times,” accompanied by hailstorms and active downdraft winds caused by convective cloud activity.

Wind speeds are expected to range between 20 and 50 knots (37–93 km/h), raising the risk of blowing dust and reduced visibility, which could drop significantly during intense rainfall.

Authorities warned that the rainfall could lead to the flow of wadis and accumulation of water in low-lying areas, posing risks to motorists and residents.

The overall impact has been classified as “moderate to high,” while parts of Dhofar Governorate may see lighter, more localised rainfall with lower intensity.

The CAA has urged the public to exercise caution, avoid crossing flooded wadis, stay away from low-lying areas, and refrain from venturing into the sea during the alert period.

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