BY SACHIN KUMAR
DOHA: 2014 was hotter for Doha than the previous year as temperature was higher 3.4 degrees Celsius compared to 2013.
The maximum average temperature last year was 42.7 degrees in July last year and the maximum average temperature was 39.3 degrees in July 2013, according to reports of Qatar Meteorology Department and Civil Aviation Authority.
The maximum temperature was also recorded higher last year — at 47.9 degrees in May at Doha International Airport compared to 46.3 degrees in July 2013. “It is a weather cycle of four-five years and temperature and humidity move as per it. “2010 and 2011 were comparatively hot while 2012 and 2013 were colder than previous two years,” said an official of Qatar Meteorology Department.
However, the official was not sure if Qatar is on the upside of the cycle and temperature is expected to rise in coming years.
Qatar is unlikely to get respite from high temperature as experts forecast mercury to go up during the year due to El Nino climatic phenomenon.
“Summer is likely to be hotter this year than last year due to El Nino effect,” said the official.
El Nino will impact the entire region, not just Qatar, as the region is likely to see a prolonged summer this year extending beyond September.
The El Nino phenomenon is considered in its first stage. It happened in 1997-1998, and the last observed was in 2009-2010.
Disturbances which occur due to the phenomenon lead to drought waves in some areas and floods in other places such as southern US and southern America, which may cause heavy rainfall affecting crops.
Qatar is characterised by a hot summer starting from June until mid-September.
Winter is mild, with little rainfall which starts from December until February-end.
The weather is generally pleasant during March, April, May, October and November, attracting tourists from across the globe to Qatar.
The Peninsula
