The Sultanate of Oman may experience a relatively rainy and abundant winter from October 2026 to May 2027, as current indicators suggest the continuation of El Niño activity in the coming months. Abdullah Al-Khudari, the Director General of Meteorology at the Oman Meteorological Authority, has elaborated on this climatic phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean, which can influence weather patterns in many parts of the world, including Oman.
Predictions and Assessments
Al-Khudari explained that the National Early Warning Center, in coordination with meteorological officials and the Civil Defense and Ambulance Organization, is preparing a national report on El Niño that will closely examine the phenomenon and its impacts on Oman. This report will assess the anticipated weather effects and provide relevant information to the concerned authorities as well as the general public.
He also noted that previous studies have examined the relationship between El Niño events and weather conditions in Oman, particularly during the winters of 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16. The results of these studies indicate that there is an indirect relationship between El Niño events and the winter weather systems affecting Oman, especially the atmospheric fluctuations that typically impact the Sultanate between October and May.
Preparedness and Forecasting Conditions
Al-Khudari, expressing hope that "God willing, we are looking forward to a fruitful winter season," added that current indicators are based on the anticipated activity of El Niño in the upcoming period. However, he emphasized that El Niño indicators do not provide definitive predictions but only indicate potential weather patterns that should be considered.
He called for early preparedness in case the predicted conditions materialize and noted that the national report being prepared by the National Early Warning Center will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the phenomenon and its potential impacts on Oman. The anticipated conditions may include heavy rainfall and increased activity of winter weather systems during the specified period, depending on the development and evolution of weather patterns.
The upcoming national assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the potential impacts of El Niño on Oman and facilitate support for early preparedness and coordination among the relevant authorities.
